Jun Hongo - The Japan Times

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Jun Hongo

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Jun Hongo

Jun Hongo graduated from Boston University and joined The Japan Times in 2006. He covers a wide range of domestic news, including politics and business. He is an avid Red Sox fan.

For Jun Hongo's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:

Japan Times

Events / Events Outside Tokyo

Nov 14, 2013

Tsuchiura city curries favor with visitors at its annual gourmet festival

When the world's largest Zeppelin made a stop in Tsuchiura, Ibaraki Prefecture, during its world tour in 1929, locals prepared and served curry for the crew using the region's famous potatoes as an ingredient. Since then, the city has been known as a curry capital of Japan, and this weekend it holds its annual Tsuchiura Curry Festival.

Japan Times

LIFE / Lifestyle

Nov 9, 2013

Perfect match: Miyakon help singles connect

Despite being located almost a stone's throw from the historic town of Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture and establishing itself as the gyōza capital of Japan, Utsunomiya was languishing in the economic doldrums for the much of the early 2000s.

Japan Times

LIFE / Lifestyle

Nov 9, 2013

Meeting more people improves your chances of finding true love

A boy and a girl meet at a bar or a party, experiencing that special spark that will forever linger in their minds. If they successfully manage to ride out the usual bumps that arise in a typical relationship along the way, they end up tying the knot. Once upon a time, love was simple.

Japan Times

LIFE / Lifestyle

Nov 9, 2013

Find true love on the run at a jogging party

How do you find someone special in Tokyo these days? The answer lies not so much in your heart, but in your feet

Japan Times

Events / Events In Tokyo

Nov 7, 2013

Tokyo firefighters let you blaze into action

Ever wondered what it would be like to be a firefighter and extinguish a blaze? On Nov. 9, Fukagawa Fire Department is allowing the public to take photos of, as well as ride, some of its fire engines.

Japan Times

Events / Events In Tokyo

Nov 7, 2013

Make and learn about miso from a master

Miso, Japan's traditional seasoning made from fermenting rice, soybeans and other flavorings, sounds like a cooking ingredient too complex to prepare yourself. But if you're curious, on Nov. 9 you can learn how to make miso paste at a special event at the Gender Equality Center in Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward.

Japan Times

JAPAN / Crime & Legal

Nov 2, 2013

Tatsuya Ichihashi: Killer on the run

Tatsuya Ichihashi went on the lam for more than 2½ years after strangling 22-year-old Lindsay Ann Hawker in March 2007. On the eve of a new film based on the convicted killer's account of his time on the road, Jun Hongo looks into the factors that allowed the fugitive to stay one step ahead of the police as well as those that led to his ultimate capture.

Japan Times

JAPAN / Crime & Legal

Nov 2, 2013

Actor takes on role of Ichihashi in biopic based on convicted murderer's book

Some actors are a little reluctant to take on the role of a despised killer in a high-profile film. Not Dean Fujioka.

Japan Times

JAPAN / Crime & Legal

Nov 2, 2013

A glance at the murder of Lindsay Ann Hawker

Police were first aware that Lindsay Ann Hawker was missing on March 26, 2007, after the Briton failed to teach English classes scheduled for two consecutive days. They found her naked body buried in a bathtub filled with sand and compost soil on Tatsuya Ichihashi's apartment's balcony that evening.

Japan Times

Events / Events In Tokyo

Oct 31, 2013

Trans Arts Tokyo 2013: 11 sites full of all kinds of art

Why not indulge yourself in art this weekend, and beyond, at Trans Arts Tokyo 2013 in Tokyo's Kanda district. The art festival, which continues through Nov. 10, comprises a variety of exhibitions and events at 11 locations.

Japan Times

Events / Events In Tokyo

Oct 24, 2013

Sapporo City Jazz makes its way to Tokyo

Japan's top-notch jazz singers are heading to the Sapporo City Jazz festival this autumn, as part of the satellite events related to this year's Tokyo Designers Week.

Japan Times

Events / Events Outside Tokyo

Oct 24, 2013

In the market for fresh local produce?

On Oct. 26 and 27, organizers of morning markets across the nation will be getting together in Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture, for the 18th National Morning Market Summit 2013 to discuss the future of their sector and exchange opinions on the latest trends.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Oct 19, 2013

Fukushima 2020: Will Japan be able to keep the nuclear situation under control?

Thirty seconds into what may ultimately be regarded as one of the defining speeches of his career, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe slowly raised his hands chest high, then spread them out sideways in a gesture of confidence.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Oct 19, 2013

Nuclear refugees struggle to share Olympic joy

While Tokyo Municipal Government officials were rubbing their hands with glee after winning the right to host the 2020 Olympics following their failed attempt to win the 2016 Games, it's perhaps fair to say that not everyone in other parts of the country shared their sentiment.

Japan Times

Events / Events In Tokyo

Oct 17, 2013

Get beefed up and join the 100-meter BBQ

This Saturday and Sunday the Narita Yume Bokujo Harvest Festival will feature its famous grill — totaling 100 meters in length — filled with sizzling meats. It's the ranch's 21st annual event, and you're invited to experience barbecue in an big way. All kinds of juicy meats will be available, including steak, thick-cut bacon, sausages, pork and chicken loins, as well as fresh vegetables — all at special prices. Various all-you-can-eat menus will be available as well.

Japan Times

Events / Events Outside Tokyo

Oct 10, 2013

Giant duck to make its return

A giant rubber duck will make a triumphant return to Osaka after having survived serious hardships including drowning and being stabbed during its global tour.

Japan Times

Events / Events In Tokyo

Oct 10, 2013

Flamenco fest marks relations with Spain

In October 1613, a small delegation of the Date domain left a Miyagi Prefecture port and traveled for more than a year across the Pacific and the Atlantic. They reached their destination, Spain, in December 1614, and the endeavor became the foundation of a bilateral friendship that has lasted for around 400 years.

BUSINESS / Economy

Oct 1, 2013

'Tankan' logs strong corporate optimism

In what figured to be the final push for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to go ahead with raising the consumption tax to 8 percent in April, the Bank of Japan's 'tankan' report shows a sharp increase in business sentiment among manufacturers.

BUSINESS

Sep 26, 2013

Benefits of final TPP framework will eclipse haggling over tariffs: Shapiro

Negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership remain strenuous as countries seek to protect feeble domestic industries, but the framework will have a major impact on the global economy once finalized, Ira Shapiro, a former general counsel to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, said on Thursday in Tokyo.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Sep 25, 2013

Students offer practical ideas to boost tourism

Creating a credit-card friendly market, providing round-the-clock public transportation and supporting travelers in multiple languages would go a long way toward increasing overseas visitors to Japan, international students advised the tourism ministry Wednesday.

From easily navigable train stations to the helpfulness of its municipal staff, Tokyo has earned high praise for its commitment to accessibility for disabled travelers.

[Rebroadcast] Japan is doing better on accessibility than you may think

When trying to trace your lineage in Japan, the "koseki" is the most important form of document you'll encounter.

Climbing the branches of a Japanese family tree

By Alex K.T. Martin

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Prize winner Maki Imoto catches light with glass

Prize winner Maki Imoto catches light with glass

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