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Junji Yamaguchi
For Junji Yamaguchi's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 27, 2015
Fish distributor thrives as tablets speed up orders
Hachimenroppi Inc., a Tokyo-based venture, is growing rapidly thanks to its tablet computer-based platform for distributing fresh fish.
BUSINESS
Nov 23, 2014
Foreign workers in demand amid tourism surge
Demand for foreign workers has been strong in Japan over the past few years as the number of foreign tourists rises and an increasing number of domestic companies aim to expand their business abroad.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 25, 2014
¥300 billion gym industry looks to novel exercises to entice new users
Fitness clubs are increasingly diversifying the activities they offer in a bid to make a workout as fun as possible.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 12, 2014
Girl power sushi chefs: We can make the cut
Chie Inamoto decided to become a chef to challenge the widespread view that sushi made by women just isn't as good as that made by men.
JAPAN
May 30, 2014
Unusual ways being developed to keep pests away
Hawks are among the unconventional methods being used in certain parts of Japan to drive away crows and other pests that spread garbage in residential areas or damage farmers' crops.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 19, 2014
New shops blossom under Tokyo's tracks
The spaces under elevated train tracks are drawing attention again in central Tokyo as railways eager for a bigger piece of the retailing pie transform vacant areas traditionally used as warehouses and parking lots.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 27, 2014
Relay races proliferate as jogging catches on
The long-distance relay races called "ekiden" are growing on the back of the jogging boom, providing opportunities to run for recreation or bond with fellow employees.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 9, 2014
Private parking lots find mass niche
Finding a parking space at a popular tourist spot or downtown is no mean feat, especially on weekends or holidays. But for a limited time, owners of homes or condominiums are letting people park in such locations to make a quick yen in tough economic times.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 21, 2014
Revamped inns target foreign guests
Amid the latest tourism boom and in preparation for intensifying competition for guests ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, major hotels in downtown Tokyo have set out to win the hearts of foreign visitors with massive renovations infused with Japanese aesthetics while also upgrading Internet access and other facilities to meet the needs of international travelers.
JAPAN
Jan 12, 2014
Service helps new moms juggle kids and careers
After seeing many of her friends and colleagues abandon promising careers for motherhood, Keiko Koda was inspired to find a way to help professionals stay on the corporate path after having children.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 24, 2013
Ramen workshops teach hopefuls tricks of trade
A company in Yachiyo, Chiba Prefecture, has organized a series of workshops for aspiring chefs interested in opening ramen restaurants to teach them how to make noodles, manage their businesses and even design interiors.
JAPAN
Nov 19, 2013
Website offers easy way to find nonallergenic food
Willmore Co., a Tokyo-based health information research firm, launched a free online site in late September that members can search for food they're not allergic to.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 18, 2013
Soy flour in demand for low-calorie dishes
Soybean flour has surged in popularity thanks to health-conscious consumers who are seeking a lower calorie alternative to standard flour without compromising too much on nutrition.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 13, 2013
Manager of secondhand shop Tifana gives fashion items new life
Having loved fashion since childhood, Junichi Kato took a job at a secondhand shop to prevent usable clothing from being thrown away.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 21, 2013
Smartphones drive surge in Net auctions, gripes
Japan's online auction market has seen major growth in the past several years, driven by the popularity of smartphones and sellers seeking to offload secondhand goods.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 12, 2013
Japanese warming up to all things Brazilian as World Cup approaches
Interest in food and other items from or associated with Brazil is growing in Japan ahead of the World Cup soccer tournament to be held there next year.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Feb 24, 2006
Textile makers keen not to miss next 'Cool Biz' buzz
Textile producers are preparing to go all-out if next summer yields a second rendition of the "Cool Biz" campaign with the launch of new materials, after having missed out on profits last year.

Longform

A statue of "Dragon Ball" character Goku stands outside the offices of Bandai Namco in Tokyo. The figure is now as recognizable as such characters as Mickey Mouse and Spider-Man.
Akira Toriyama's gift to the world