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May 18, 2024
 

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Shusuke Murai

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Shusuke Murai
Shusuke Murai was born in Japan and spent his teen years in central Ohio. He graduated from New York University with a M.A. in Communication. His interests include the activities of virtual communities, intercultural interactions in the information society and futuristic gadgets.
For Shusuke Murai's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
JAPAN
Aug 27, 2015
Japanese astronaut Kanai to travel to space in 2017
Norishige Kanai used to be a Maritime Self-Defense Force doctor specializing in undersea medicine, but in 2017 he will take a huge leap, as he puts it, "from deep sea to space."
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 26, 2015
Kyoto turns to toilet etiquette signs in a bid to flush out bad behavior
Japan has rolled out the welcome mat for foreign visitors and this is benefitting businesses nationwide, but there's a not so rosy catch. For the city of Kyoto, one of the most popular destinations for tourists, the result has been reeking public lavatories.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Aug 24, 2015
Japan backs next-generation 8K technology ahead of 2020 Games
Besides its main focus on competitive sports, the Olympics also offer an opportunity to boost the host nation's technology. Back in 1964 when Tokyo hosted its first Summer Games, color-TV sets were growing in popularity and eventually became a standard fixture in Japanese homes.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 20, 2015
English-immersion share house offers cultural experience
On any given weekday some 15 to 20 residents of a four-story apartment building in the Tokyo suburb of Fuchu converge in the Scandinavian-style cafe-lounge at around 9 p.m. to converse in English.
JAPAN / History
Aug 15, 2015
Visitors to cemetery wish for lasting peace
People visiting Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery in Tokyo observe a moment of silence for the war dead and voice a desire for lasting peace.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Aug 14, 2015
Almost 30% of young people don't want to work for a company, survey finds
A survey revealed Thursday that some young people in Japan maintain an unenthusiastic and rather cool attitude toward employment.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Aug 7, 2015
Japan experts play down Olympic logo row, as Belgian designer flags legal action against IOC
Although the controversy over the official emblem for 2020 Tokyo Olympics is heating up, experts say it won't turn out to be such a big issue after all.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Aug 5, 2015
Japanese smartphone carriers offer mixed responses to Android flaw
A recently discovered security flaw affecting some 95 percent of Android mobile devices means users are at risk of being hacked just by receiving a short message with malicious intent.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 29, 2015
Architect blames government for high cost that doomed Olympic stadium design
The architecture firm that came up with the design for the main Olympic stadium is blaming the central government for the soaring cost estimates that doomed its design.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Jul 24, 2015
Nikkei Inc. announces it will buy venerable Financial Times in ¥160 billion deal
The surprise announcement by Nikkei Inc. has raised questions about whether the Japanese company can successfully manage such a highly regarded news company.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 23, 2015
Phone-charging stations set for Tokyo tourist spots
Running out of battery power on your smartphone in Tokyo? Don't panic, soon you will be able to access a number of free recharging stations at popular sightseeing spots across the metropolis.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 16, 2015
Government considering changing Olympic stadium construction plan in face of huge cost
The government is considering modifying the construction plan for the new National Stadium, exploring ways to curb the unexpectedly high construction costs of ¥252 billion, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Thursday.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 13, 2015
Japanese freelance reporter Jumpei Yasuda feared missing in Syria
A freelance reporter and close friend of Kenji Goto, the journalist executed by the Islamic State terrorist group in January, may be missing in the same country where his compatriot was beheaded.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 10, 2015
New Japanese voters emerge from school unaware of their potential at polls
With the voting age lowered to 18 from 20, an estimated 2.4 million people, including high school students, will be allowed to vote for the first time in next summer's Upper House election.
JAPAN
Jul 7, 2015
Unique stadium design biggest reason for cost blowout: sport council
The complicated design of Tokyo's new National Stadium meant only a limited number of contractors could tackle the project and was the biggest cause of its budget blowout, the Japan Sport Council revealed Tuesday.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 2, 2015
Olympics minister says first task is to address stadium funding feud
The newly appointed minister of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games says his immediate priority is to build trust between the central government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government over funding the international sporting extravaganza.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Jun 29, 2015
Japanese cat-collecting game is apps' meow
The smartphone game "Neko Atsume" (Cat Collecting) is gaining a worldwide following for its nonsense and adorableness.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 25, 2015
Toshiaki Endo appointed Olympics minister
Toshiaki Endo, a former rugby player who has abundant experience in sports-related organizations, was appointed Thursday as new minister in charge of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympics.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 25, 2015
Subsidies used as carrot to prod Japan's national universities to streamline and ditch humanities
In a move that has angered academics, the Abe administration plans to reform the national university system by telling schools to abolish departments in fields deemed less useful to the industrial world, such as the humanities, and provide more "practical" education to win a greater share of the subsidies,...
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jun 16, 2015
Wi-Fi hacker criminal case reveals risks faced by home users
The nation's first ever criminal case involving a hijacked wireless Internet connection came to light this month, prompting online security experts to warn that home Wi-Fi routers may be open to attack if not properly protected.
Japanese stripper bids to have her porn movies taken off internet
Plaintiff Miyuki Ariga (left) speaks at a news conference along with her lawyer, Yoshitomo Morohashi, after filing a lawsuit at the Tokyo District Court on Monday.
Japan passes bill to introduce 'blue ticket' fines for cyclists
A new system under which bicycle riders pay fines for minor traffic violations to escape criminal punishment is expected to be introduced in Japan no later than 2026.
Japan changes law to allow joint custody after divorce
Legislation that allows the option of joint custody of children after divorce is passed at the Upper House plenary session on Friday.
U.S. envoy to Japan makes landmark visit to front-line island near Taiwan
U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel meets with members of the Self-Defense Forces stationed on Yonaguni, Okinawa Prefecture, on Friday.
Japan to review romanization system for first time in 70 years
An advisory panel to the education ministry will consider how the Japanese language should be transcribed into the Latin alphabet, including unifying different romanization styles currently in use.
Can AI-generated inventions be patented? A Tokyo court says no.
The Tokyo court's ruling comes amid ongoing debates on how to regulate generative AI and is part of a transnational class action lawsuit.
A new initiative rethinks old Tohoku crafts
The colored patterns of Tsuguru "nuri," made in Aomori Prefecture, are achieved by applying multiple coatings of lacquer, which are later polished down to reveal layers of colors beneath.
Xi and Putin mark ‘new era’ amid efforts to counter U.S. ‘containment’
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend an event in Beijing on Thursday. During Putin's visit, the leaders showed off their growing alignment amid efforts to push back against the U.S.-led world order.
Unraveling the Japanese prose of Yukio Mishima
Author Yukio Mishima accepts the Arts Festival Award in the drama category at the 20th Arts Festival Award Ceremony on Jan. 22, 1966.
New Taiwan president to set tone for ties with China at inauguration
Taiwan President-elect Lai Ching-te arrives at the CyberSec 2024 Exhibition in Taipei on Wednesday.

Podcast

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

Longform

Things may look perfect to the outside world, but today's mom is fine with some imperfection at home.
How 'Reiwa moms' are reshaping motherhood in Japan
By Mai Yoshikawa

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