Tom Hanaway - The Japan Times

Today's print edition

Subscribe for more access

Meta

Twitter

Tom Hanaway

For Tom Hanaway's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:

Japan Times

Places

Nov 21, 2019

Top tips for visiting Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea

With Tokyo Disneyland seeing 17.9 million visitors in 2018, it's a good idea to do your research before you visit the happiest place on Earth — or, at least, the happiest place in Japan.

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Nov 15, 2019

Ep. 22 'Tip Off'

Last week's episode of "Terrace House" made it look like the housemates were on the verge of pairing off into couples: Emika and Ruka; Haruka and Peppe; and Hana and Ryo. The commentators love how harmonious and lovey-dovey the house has become (with the positive mood making their own lives feel stress free). But just as things are settling down, everyone's shot at love is starting to slip away.

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Oct 25, 2019

Ep. 20 'The Third Flower'

This week's episode of "Terrace House" starts off on a sad note as Kaori gets ready to move out to pursue her career in London, leaving Haruka and Ruka as the last original members still living in the house. To mark Kaori's departure, Ruka does what he does best — invents a new dish and prays that it tastes OK. This time it's noodles with fried tofu and tarako (salted cod roe) sauce. "I hope you remember this dish," he says earnestly to Kaori.

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Oct 18, 2019

Ep. 19 'The Stray Sheep'

After saying goodbye to one member and hello to another, this week's episode of "Terrace House" is all about trying out new pairings with the housemates — and things get a little messy.

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Oct 11, 2019

Ep: 18 'Bros Before Hoes'

"Terrace House" served up two shockers this week: the sudden disappearance of Shohei and an unexpected crash course in the mantra of immature idiots, "Bros before hoes."

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Sep 27, 2019

Let's talk about the best dates on 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' so far

While we not-so-patiently wait for the next episode of "Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020" to become available, we decided to pass the time by listing some of the best date locations the housemates have ventured to so far. From gardens to fireworks shows to golf, here are our top spots from the first 16 episodes.

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Sep 20, 2019

Ep. 16 'Orange Flavor First Kiss'

This week's episode of "Terrace House" was all about creating art — and some plot lines were totally drawn out.

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Sep 6, 2019

Ep. 14 'Just a Moment, Please'

It was a week of surprise twists, tearful goodbyes and shocking news, but before we get to the good stuff, we have to go over one exhausting subject: Ruka.

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Aug 16, 2019

Ep. 12 'Always Chillin"

For this week's episode of "Terrace House," we are back to familiar territory. No more explosive fights and unexpected nude scenes. Instead, we have what the die-hard fans expect: slow-burning love and close ups of tasty food.

Japan Times

Places

Aug 8, 2019

Places to watch Rugby World Cup live in Japan

Looking for a place to view the Rugby World Cup games live surrounded by a crowd of ardent fans? Here’s a list of 18 public viewing spaces where fans can catch all the action as it happens.

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Aug 2, 2019

Ep. 10 'The Boy That Gets Treated'

After last week's barn-burner of an episode, we needed a little bit of a breather. There are still plenty moments of joy this week, but first, let's get the Kenny-Haruka-Risako love triangle out of the way.

Japan Times

Places

Jul 17, 2019

Tokyo's top beer gardens

Wind and Green Beer Garden

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Jul 12, 2019

Ep. 8 'Passive Boys'

I'm just going to say it: Episode 8 of "Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020" is the best episode of "Friends" that never made it to air. High jinks, misunderstandings, dating woes — it had everything.

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Jul 5, 2019

Ep. 7 'Woman to Treat and Woman to Split the Check'

Episode 7 of "Terrace House" picks up on the rooftop of the house without missing a beat. After the other members turn in for the night, Haruka and Risako remain to see who can get more alone time with Kenny, but eventually Haruka throws in the towel. For the moment, anyway.

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Jun 21, 2019

Ep. 5 'Reiwa!!'

Previously on "Terrace House": Risako takes a drastic — some may even say desperate — step of winning the charming Ruka over by flat out telling him to "date me," in what has been one of the show's more exciting proclamations of romantic intent. Then, we have to wait two whole weeks for his response. After all that, I was on the edge of my seat as Episode 5 began and ... Ruka just laughs it off. Huh. That's it?

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Jun 4, 2019

Ep. 3 'Dreamed of Her'

Good things come to those who wait and, after patiently waiting through two episodes, I finally got to see what I show up to "Terrace House" for every week: roommates going on dates.

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / 'Terrace House Tokyo 2019-2020' Recaps

Jun 4, 2019

Ep. 1 'We're Back in Tokyo'

Konbanwa! It has been a long time coming but the international popularity of Netflix's "Terrace House" can no longer be denied. The show is a hit, and we're still reeling from the Karuizawa-based "Opening New Doors" season and all of the drama that ensued there. (Kissing after vomiting! Fights about socks! Loud snoring!) Now that the show returns to Tokyo with a brand new cast, The Japan Times is hitting the intercom and moving in with weekly recaps of the show.

Japan Times

CULTURE / TV & Streaming / Wide Angle

May 16, 2019

'Terrace House' returns to Tokyo

Netflix is ramping up its production of original Japanese content, including anime and live-action dramas, to please both domestic and overseas subscribers. But arguably its most important export is "Terrace House," the reality show that films three men and three women living together under one roof as they go on dates, attend concerts and eat konnyaku jelly.

Japan Times

PODCAST / deep dive

May 13, 2019

Episode 14: What's the deal with Terrace House?

Ahead of the new season of Terrace House — 'Terrace House: Tokyo 2019-2020' — Tom Hanaway and Patrick St. Michel join Oscar Boyd to discuss why the show has proved such a hit both here in Japan and internationally and what we might be able to expect from the upcoming season.

Japan Times

Places

Apr 19, 2019

Things to do in Tokyo during Golden Week

This year's unprecedented 10-day-long Golden Week is a chance for people to travel and see the world. Unfortunately, with sky-high plane tickets and sold-out bullet trains, many of us will be staying in Tokyo for long staycation. If you are living in the capital and have seen most of the big tourist attractions, here are 10 more budget-friendly ideas that could fill your schedule.

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

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

By Stephen Mansfield

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Spotlighting a Niigata castle town through sushi

Spotlighting a Niigata castle town through sushi

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTS

SUPPLEMENTS BINDER

international-reports