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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 Times
JAPAN
Nov 17, 2014
Iwate taps Google's 'Ingress' to boost tourism
Since it was introduced, Google's location-based game "Ingress" has engrossed many Japanese smartphone users, and officials in Iwate Prefecture have found it to be a great tool to boost tourism.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 12, 2014
Girl Scouts who posed for Yokohama statue reunited 52 years later
By the shore of Yamashita Park in Yokohama, the city where Japanese and American culture intersect, there stands a statue of three girls. Two are shaking hands while their other hands are raised to their heads to show respect, and a third girl stands beside them.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 10, 2014
Complaints over online toy purchases on the rise, NCAC warns
With the Christmas shopping season quickly approaching, the National Consumer Affairs Center is warning people to be careful when buying toys online in order to avoid being defrauded.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media
Nov 5, 2014
NHK drama's foreign star says Japan has strengthened her
Charlotte Kate Fox, lead actress in the NHK morning drama "Massan," said Wednesday that like the character she plays, she has grown stronger since coming to Japan.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 31, 2014
Japan and U.S. accused of failing Okinawa residents and veterans sickened by Agent Orange
A journalist who has documented the alleged existence of Agent Orange on Okinawa has accused Tokyo and Washington of side-stepping their responsibilities to local residents and military personnel who may have been exposed to the toxic defoliant.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Oct 29, 2014
Ring allows users to control digital devices with a wag of the finger
A "magic" wearable device was showcased at Omotesando Hills in Tokyo on Wednesday to celebrate its arrival in Japan.
BUSINESS / Companies
Oct 28, 2014
SoftBank unveils smartphone for seniors
SoftBank Corp. announced Tuesday that the company will release its new smartphone in late November and that its easy-to-use design will be particularly convenient for the elderly.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 27, 2014
Computer role-playing game helps potential lay judges prepare for trial
The "saiban-in" (lay judge) system thrusts ordinary citizens into a position of responsibility in major criminal trials, and efforts are underway to prepare them better to handle the evidence they may see and the decisions they may face.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Oct 25, 2014
Cutting-edge inventions showcased at Tokyo future-tech expo
Japanese technologies that engage multiple senses, such as virtual reality eyewear and wearable robotics, are being shown off at a Tokyo museum, offering the public a glimpse of a futuristic society.

Longform

Rows of irises resemble a rice field at the Peter Walker-designed Toyota Municipal Museum of Art.
The 'outsiders' creating some of Japan's greenest spaces