Tom Hanaway - The Japan Times

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Tom Hanaway

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

Japan Times

LIFE / Language

Jan 28, 2019

Whether it's a bar in Shinjuku or over a dating app with someone in Osaka, words matter when talking about LGBT topics

According to a recent survey, around 1 in 11 Japanese say they identify as LGBT. Therefore, knowing the language of this diverse community can help greatly with understanding.

Japan Times

JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse

Jan 19, 2019

Organizing guru Marie Kondo sparks plenty of joy on social media

A new year in Japan means it’s time for ōsōji, the annual cleaning of one’s home. And, right on schedule, Netflix has released “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” to give us all some inspiration — or make us feel guilty for putting it off.

JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse

Dec 1, 2018

Netflix hopes to attract new anime fans with old favorites

After launching in Japan in September 2015, Netflix has aggressively gone after the nation’s streaming market with an array of content. Original programming such as “Aggretsuko,” “Terrace House” and a reboot of “Ainori” have helped capture the attention of many cordcutters who want the freedom of being able to watch content in any place and at any time without being saddled with commercials.

Japan Times

JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse

Nov 17, 2018

Live-action Pokemon trailer reaffirms Pikachu's enduring popularity

Ever since the original release of the “Pokemon” games for the Nintendo Game Boy back in 1996, the series’ central character — the electric, yellow rodent Pikachu — has found a permanent place in the world’s pop-culture zeitgeist. Pikachu has since shown up everywhere, including on countless pieces of merchandise, an annual parade in Yokohama and even in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Japan Times

MULTIMEDIA

Oct 27, 2018

The faces of the Tokyo International Film Festival 2018: Competition

The 31st Tokyo International Film Festival, which opened on Thursday, is screening a variety of cinema from all over the world at various venues in Tokyo. The festival runs until Nov. 3, when the jury will announce the winning films from the competition.

Japan Times

Events

Oct 26, 2018

Halloween 2018 in Tokyo

Not so long ago, it was scary how few Halloween events there were in Japan, but in the past decade the country has truly embraced all of the tricks and treats that come with the haunted holiday. Here are just a few of the parades to see and clubs to party at this year.

Japan Times

JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse

Oct 20, 2018

'Terrace House' opens its doors to LGBTQ members in Japan

Warning: The following may contain minor spoilers for "Terrace House: Opening New Doors."

Japan Times

JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse

Sep 8, 2018

Video gamers from across Japan, and the world, put down their controllers and head to Yokosuka

The city of Yokosuka, located south of Yokohama, is mostly famous for feeling at times like a slice of America, as it is home to a large U.S. naval base. (Some stores in Yokosuka even accept U.S. currency.) For foodies and fashionistas, Yokosuka is also well-known for its spicy curry and flashy bomber jackets. This summer, however, a new group took an interest in the city: video game fans.

Japan Times

MULTIMEDIA

Sep 5, 2018

IN PICTURES: The terrifying force of Typhoon Jebi

The physical force of the high winds brought by Typhoon Jebi was immediately apparently to residents of western Japan: tractor tailors were toppled, massive tankers were pushed into bridges, rooftops and large trees were tossed like children's toys.

Japan Times

JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse

May 19, 2018

Sanrio characters in 'Aggretsuko' reflect the realities of life at work — rage included

Sanrio Co. is known for churning out some of the most adorable creatures out there, including Hello Kitty and the bunny My Melody. Its characters are often cute and colorful, and usually silent.

Japan Times

Places

Mar 20, 2018

20 sakura (cherry blossom) spots to visit across Japan

By Len Kitagawa and Max Burt

Japan Times

JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse

Mar 10, 2018

Japan tries its hardest to keep up with the Kardashians

The internet desperately tried to keep up with the Kardashians last week when the famous family visited Japan. Kim, Kourtney and Khloe traveled to Tokyo and Kyoto while filming an episode of their enormously popular reality show that has been running for 14 seasons, and they brought their entire entourage with them.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Film

Dec 15, 2017

'Star Wars' fans get a first look at 'The Last Jedi'

The planets have aligned and the Force is even stronger for the "Star Wars" community. On Thursday evening, hundreds of fans filled Toho Cinemas Roppongi for one of the first global premieres of "The Last Jedi," the latest film in the well-loved series, with many attendees dressing up as their favorite heroes, villains and robots. Anticipation for the movie is high, and corporate tie-ins are as thick as the swamps on planet Dagobah.

Japan Times

JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse

Nov 4, 2017

Video game makers find a marketing recipe for success

Sega's popular video game character Sonic the Hedgehog is famous for running fast, but now it's slowing down to grab a bite to eat with some extra friendly company.

JAPAN / Crime & Legal

Aug 2, 2017

Transgender convict in Hokkaido asks to be treated as female inmate

A 38-year-old transgender woman in Hokkaido who has been convicted of theft has asked the Justice Ministry and local prosecutors to be treated as a female inmate, despite being listed as male in her family registry.

Japan Times

BUSINESS / Tech

May 19, 2017

'Gamified' language app Duolingo finally adds Japanese

Just as many readers are swapping paperbacks for tablets, many language learners are trading in their textbooks for apps so they can study on the go.

Japan Times

Places

Mar 30, 2017

Best parks for cherry-blossom viewing in Tokyo

Here are some of Tokyo's best parks for 'hanami' (cherry-blossom viewing).

Japan Times

BUSINESS

Feb 2, 2017

Nestle Japan rolls out 'sushi' KitKats at new Ginza store

Japanese KitKats are famous — or perhaps infamous — for their varied and sometimes peculiar flavors, including green tea, sake and wasabi. But now Nestle Japan Ltd. has released arguably its strangest concoction yet: sushi.

Japan Times

Places

Nov 2, 2016

Prime koyo (autumn leaves) viewing spots in Japan

While Japan is famous worldwide for its spring cherry blossoms, its autumn leaves are equally as breathtaking. The country's mountainous terrain means travelers can see hills full of reds, oranges and yellows — if they time their trips just right.

Japan Times

MULTIMEDIA

Oct 28, 2016

The faces of the Tokyo International Film Festival 2016

The 29th Tokyo International Film Festival, which opened on Tuesday, is screening a variety of cinema from all over the world at various venues in Tokyo. The festival runs until Nov. 3, when the jury will announce the winning films from the competition.

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

Vol. 35: Travel in time — and stay there

Vol. 35: Travel in time — and stay there

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