Jimena’s name means “listener,” and since coming to ARK she remains ever cautious and attentive in her surroundings.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / ADOPT ME!
Oct 22, 2025
Lovely listener Jimena just needs time and care
After a life on the streets, Jimena is learning to adapt to her new environment and appreciates having a feline friend to help her through.
Chris Glenn (right) will play Oda Nobunaga, known as one of Japan’s three great unifiers, in the 71st annual Nagoya Festival on Oct. 18 and 19.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives
Oct 17, 2025
A samurai-loving radio host prepares to become Oda Nobunaga for a day
Nagoya-based radio host Chris Glenn will portray warlord Oda Nobunaga, becoming the first non-Japanese to join the city’s historic parade.
Shrunali Ranade moved to Japan in 2015 and has carved a niche for herself as both an engineer and a cricket player.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Oct 9, 2025
Shrunali Ranade: ‘Stepping back isn’t failure but another form of strength’
As an engineer and member of the women’s national cricket team in Japan, Shrunali Ranade has carved out her own niche over the past 10 years.
Thales is 10 years old, but has the vigor and good cheer of a much younger dog.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / ADOPT ME!
Oct 7, 2025
Chipper Yorkie-Maltese mix still young at heart
Ten-year-old Thales, named after a Greek philosopher, is decidedly unserious and will make an energetic companion for the right household.
Kashata will most likely settle in well in a home with another cat companion.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / ADOPT ME!
Sep 30, 2025
Scaredy-cat Kashata is searching for a friend
Believed to be around 3 years old, Kashata is a shy fellow in need of some love and attention.
Originally from Brisbane, Australia, Linda Joyce moved to rural Tochigi Prefecture in 2024 for a career shift from teaching to hospitality and sustainable tourism.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Sep 25, 2025
Linda Joyce: ‘We hope people recognize the benefits of exploring rural areas’
Former teacher Linda Joyce shifted careers to the tourism industry in 2024 and now works at a historic property in rural Tochigi Prefecture.
Bronte is no featherweight at 16 kilograms, but his personality and energy are buoyant indeed.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / ADOPT ME!
Sep 24, 2025
A friendly Kai ken dog with a big heart
Three-year-old Bronte has remained a happy-go-lucky fellow despite the adverse conditions of his upbringing.

Longform

Once smoky, male-dominated spaces, today's net cafes, like Kaikatsu Club, are working to make their operations more attractive to women customers.
The second life of Japan's net cafes