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Kaori Shoji
Kaori Shoji writes about movies and movie-makers for the Film Page, plus takes a turn at the Bilingual Column. Biggest mistake of her career: taking the very dignified Nagisa Oshima to McDonald's for an iced coffee.
For Kaori Shoji's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Mar 28, 2022
Mayu Nakamura: ‘Why can't a woman be sexy and a mother at the same time?’
Mayu Nakamura is known for her critically acclaimed documentaries. After a hiatus, she's back with a drama that aims to change how we view older women.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Feb 11, 2022
Love stories for your Valentine's Day date with the books
There's no better time for a love story than around Valentine's Day. Sit back, have a read and maybe enjoy some chocolate while you study.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Jan 29, 2022
Yu Shibuya: ‘Creating something from nothing requires a huge effort’
Yu Shibuya made the decision early on in his life to u201crescueu201d modern Japanese culture from crass commercialism. He chose the theater as his weapon.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / BIG IN JAPAN
Oct 30, 2021
Will the Komuros start to see good news now they’re wed?
Now that Princess Mako has married Kei Komuro, will the media begin to reflect on its coverage of their time in the spotlight? For Princess Kako's sake, let's hope so.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Oct 18, 2021
An online manga draws attention to toxic work environments in the fashion industry
While the two manga that artist Zenzo produced were meant to focus attention on mental health, the conversation steered into the business practices of clothing boutiques.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Sep 4, 2021
Asahi drops body-shaming ads. Will other outlets follow?
Body hair? Bad. Overweight? Bad. Japanese advertising isn't always subtle when it comes to body shaming u2014 and a dip in ad prices on YouTube led to more of it during the pandemic.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / BIG IN JAPAN
Jul 31, 2021
What's in a surname? In Japan, a whole lot
The Supreme Court doesn't budge on its stance on surnames, even though the Japanese public is moving in the opposite direction.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Jul 17, 2021
Trolli Planet Gummi: Taking a bite out of Earth never sounded so great
Japanese teens are concerned about the planet, sort of. Chikyu Gumi, a candy that looks like the Earth, have been selling out in stores across the country.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Jun 13, 2021
Sari Kaede: 'It's possible to be an ordinary person who just happens to be a trans woman'
Sari Kaede brings her journey as a transgender woman to the screen in a documentary titled "You Decide." She hopes to provide some support for young people in the process.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / BIG IN JAPAN
May 29, 2021
Can a celebrity wedding set the mood for romance?
Yui Aragaki and Gen Hoshino announced they will be getting married, proving the idea that you can't find romance after 30 is an outdated one.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
May 22, 2021
Calling out the elephant in the blogosphere
Two Japanese blogs have made headlines recently for racist remarks against ethnic Koreans, while online discussion starts to ask what Japanese people should do in response.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
May 15, 2021
Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike wants you to 'Just Say No' to drinking in the streets
Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike wants young people to stay home and study rather than go out drinking during the pandemic. Is she targeting the wrong crowd, though?
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Apr 24, 2021
The mythical three-day weekend: Is it too good to be true?
Working remotely was something Japan, Inc. was never supposed to be able to do. Now that we've done it, is a shorter work week in the cards?
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Apr 24, 2021
'Chinatown Beat': The act of telling the story is in itself political
New York-based director Yuko Torihara hit the pavement with writer Henry Chang to highlight the stories of Asian Americans in her short documentary u201cChinatown Beat.u201d
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Apr 10, 2021
Stronger social media push on vaccinations necessary as Japanese remain on the fence
Plenty of people are still anxious about the effectiveness of the vaccine, as well as any side effects it might have.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Apr 3, 2021
Congested commutes offer a glimpse of life in Japan after COVID-19
The second state of emergency that was issued in Tokyo and three neighboring prefectures in January has been largely ineffective in reducing the number of commuters each day.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Mar 27, 2021
Universities allow students to celebrate start of a new academic year with a few conditions attached
Parents are poised to be excluded from official entrance ceremonies as COVID-19 risk still lingers.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Mar 20, 2021
Oral hygiene habits in Japan reflect the cold reality of COVID-19 pandemic
Sales of personal toothpaste products have exceeded those targeting families for the first time.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Mar 13, 2021
The allure of office supplies without a physical workspace in which to enjoy them
Modern office supplies can now be neatly docketed and arranged inside collapsible carrying cases for work sessions in shared office spaces or in the comfort of a coffee shop.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Feb 27, 2021
Harassment doesn’t end in the office. It can follow you home.
Working remotely has put the spotlight on managers overstepping their boundaries with staff.

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