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Mami Maruko
Staff writer Mami Maruko writes stories about the international community in Japan, including profiles of Tokyo-based ambassadors and international marriages. She received education in Japan, England and the U.S. She graduated from Goldsmiths College, University of London, with a masters degree in Theater Arts.
For Mami Maruko's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Oct 16, 2019
Singer Misia explores the language of music
Singer Misia possesses an astonishing vocal range of five octaves but equally impressive is her humanitarian work abroad.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy / TICAD 7 Special
Aug 27, 2019
A messenger in name and actions
"I want people to feel happy through music," said singer Misia, who endeavors to bridge Africa and Japan through the power of music.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / davos special 2019
Jan 22, 2019
Looking toward a digital future for a globalized society
Chief Representative Officer of the World Economic Forum's Japan Office Makiko Eda has held a number of leadership roles. | SATOKO KAWASAKI
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 2, 2018
Traditional events to welcome Year of the Dog
For many city dwellers, the beginning of the year is a time to rest the body and the soul — be it at home or at an onsen (hot spring) resort — but for others, it's a perfect time to go out and enjoy themselves on the town.
Japan Times
Events / Events In Tokyo
Jan 1, 2017
Getting out to ring in the new year
New Year's is one of the best times of the year when one can relax with family and friends. But for those who prefer to go out and enjoy the festive season, there are numerous exciting events going on. Here are some ways to spend quality time in Tokyo during the New Year's holidays.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / G7 Ise-Shima Summit Special
May 25, 2016
Government working to promote wild game as a delicious and healthy cuisine option
While wild game dishes made with deer and wild boar meat have traditionally been popular among the European aristocracy, gibier, as it is known in Japan after the French word for game, has never been the norm here — at least until recently.
Japan Times
JAPAN / 2016 NEW YEAR SPECIAL
Jan 1, 2016
An opportunity to experience authentic Japanese New Year's
For most urbanites, the New Year's holidays is a time to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, go back to their hometowns, go skiing or loosen up their bodies and minds at an onsen hot spring, but there are also many interesting and unmissable events going on in and around the Tokyo metropolitan.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 24, 2015
Tokyo Skytree is bathed in blue to mark 70th anniversary of the United Nations
Sumida Ward's Tokyo Skytree, together with some 200 sites in 60 countries around the world, was illuminated with blue lights Saturday as part of a global celebration to mark the 70th anniversary of the United Nations.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / 'SUMMER DAVOS' SPECIAL 2015
Sep 9, 2015
YGL works to create a more resilient society
Yoshiki Hiruma, one of the young global leaders of the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions, wants to make the world a better place by helping the homeless achieve emotional and financial independence through playing soccer.
Japan Times
WORLD / EU SPECIAL 2015
May 12, 2015
Encouraging studying abroad
With heightened interest among Japanese students and researchers aiming to study in Europe in recent years, the Delegation of the European Union to Japan will hold its fourth European Higher Education Fair 2015 from May 15 to 17.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art / EXPO MILANO 2015
May 3, 2015
Rethinking, updating traditional crafts
Despite a decline in the handmade craft industry, especially with a lack of young people to pass the baton to in recent years, the Expo Milano 2015 that kicked off May 1 is a big chance for densan, or traditional Japanese handcrafted products, to promote their charm and elaborate workmanship to the world.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 17, 2015
New Yamanashi liberal arts college seeks to put students in 'zone' of critical thinking
Michael Lacktorin, founding dean of a unique new college at Yamanashi Gakuin University in Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture, says his most important role as an educator is to help students discover where their passion lies, and to find out what they really want to do with their lives.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 31, 2015
Fake Ergobaby carriers sold online in Japan: consumer watchdog
Knock-off versions of U.S. baby carrier Ergobaby have hit the Japanese online market, according to a Tokyo-based consumer watchdog dedicated to catching fake brand goods.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Mar 20, 2015
Riken to ask Obokata for ¥600,000 in publishing fees for debunked paper
Riken said Friday that it would ask disgraced former researcher Haruko Obokata for about ¥600,000 in compensation for fees associated with publishing the results of her now-discredited research into so-called STAP cells.
Japan Times
JAPAN / UN WORLD CONFERENCE ON DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
Mar 14, 2015
Major companies continue to support Tohoku region
Right after the earthquake and tsunami hit northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011, volunteer individuals and groups rushed to provide assistance.
JAPAN
Mar 13, 2015
Todai sounds plagiarism alarm with rare cheating report
In a rare move, the University of Tokyo, Komaba, locally known as Todai, has reported that one of its students plagiarized a term report using information from the Internet. It was the first time the prestigious school has openly reported a cheating student.
JAPAN
Mar 4, 2015
Schools told not to use 'inappropriate' supplementary teaching materials
The education ministry has issued a notice to boards of education across the country urging teachers not to use "inappropriate" supplementary learning materials, in the first move of its kind in decades.
JAPAN / Society
Feb 27, 2015
Bunkyo plans measures to aid sexual minorities
Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward will consider measures relating to sexual minorities by March 2016, a ward official said, following a recent proposal by Shibuya Ward to issue certificates recognizing same-sex unions.
JAPAN
Feb 26, 2015
NPO aims to recycle hotel soap to help poor nations
A nonprofit organization plans to collect unused soap from upscale Tokyo hotels and recycle it into bars for use in the developing world, and is currently seeking funds to buy the equipment it needs.
JAPAN / Society
Feb 20, 2015
Officials pull plug on teacher survey about LGBT students
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Education Bureau has halted an independent survey of how junior high and high schools cater to sexual minorities, citing problems with some of the questions.

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