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COMMUNITY

Voices

It doesn't snow everywhere in Japan, but when it does, it falls in blankets that must be cleared away, sometimes through unexpected means.

COMMUNITY / Voices / FOREIGN AGENDA

Feb 4, 2024

Rural Japan’s snow removal solutions range from cute to curious

By Jordan Allen

Outside of Tokyo, cities that get a significant volume of snow tend to have better ways of dealing with it than the capital.

Who should foot the bill when it comes to making sure Japan's new ¥500 coin can actually be used as widely as the old one?

COMMUNITY / Voices / FOREIGN AGENDA

Jan 15, 2024

All ¥500 coins that glitter are not gold

By Jordan Allen

Twenty years on and the ¥2,000 note can almost certainly still be described as a “novelty" — what if the new ¥500 coin is destined for the same fate?

A look into what used to be the Koyamacho neighborhood in Tokyo's Minato Ward may reveal what Japan stands to lose from not protecting its recent past.

COMMUNITY / Voices / FOREIGN AGENDA

Dec 25, 2023

Mita facelift paves over another slice of Tokyo history

By Jordan Allen

The death of Koyamacho shows that Japan needs to begin preserving some parts of its modern history for future generations.

In Japan on a scholarship he fought hard for, Oscar Ruto found himself needing to take a break and headed into Tokyo for a weekend of partying.

COMMUNITY / Voices / FOREIGN AGENDA

Nov 27, 2023

'I wasn't always an alcoholic … and then I was'

By Oscar Ruto

As the party season draws near, it's important to deal with yearend stress in healthier ways.

Writer Baye McNeil (left) poses for a picture with Cameron Peagler, who organized the Black Gold event in Tokyo’s Adachi Ward.

COMMUNITY / Voices / Black Eye

Oct 16, 2023

An OG's tips for Japan: Create beauty and don't fake your smile

By Baye McNeil

Speaking at Black Gold, an event aiming to connect the Black and Japanese communities, our columnist offered seven tips to enjoying life in Japan.

The community pool is a great place for exercise and meeting your neighbors.

COMMUNITY / Voices / FOREIGN AGENDA

Jul 31, 2023

Figuring out the rules at a Japanese community pool can be an ongoing education

By Andreas Neuenkirchen

If you’re headed for the community pool, be prepared: Japanese pool rules are an ongoing education.

Japan might change because of you or your actions, but it will not change for you.

COMMUNITY / Voices / Black Eye

Jun 19, 2023

A note to people of color interested in living in Japan

By Baye McNeil

When asked about what life is like here for people of color, columnist Baye McNeil summed it up with a story about sitting on a crowded train.

Two people try to take a selfie under the illuminated cherry blossoms in Kyoto’s Gion district last year.

Sakura stories revisited: Getting in the mood for hanami

Historically, kabuki was considered the entertainment of the merchant and peasant classes, a far cry from how it is regarded today.

For Japan's oldest kabuki theater, the show must go on

By Lance Henderstein

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Prize winner Maki Imoto catches light with glass

Prize winner Maki Imoto catches light with glass

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