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Kaori Shoji
Kaori Shoji writes about movies and movie-makers for the Film Page, plus takes a turn at the Bilingual Column. Biggest mistake of her career: taking the very dignified Nagisa Oshima to McDonald's for an iced coffee.
For Kaori Shoji's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Feb 12, 2021
Will you be my pandemic Valentine?
The coronavirus is making people rethink traditional Valentine's Day customs.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Feb 6, 2021
Surviving the depths of winter in Japan amid a pandemic
Social media is full of helpful advice on coping with tough times in the cold.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Jan 30, 2021
Japanese firms roll out cautious welcoming mat to COVID-19 survivors
Nearly 240,000 people nationwide are believed to have recovered from the virus as of mid-January.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Jan 16, 2021
Amid pandemic, children's activities may be just the distraction we all need
There wasn't much to raise spirits in the Tokyo area during the new year holiday. With record-breaking daily numbers of new COVID-19 cases and reports that a second state of emergency was likely to be implemented, many people were keen to stay indoors.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Jan 9, 2021
The search for positive takeaways from a year of COVID-19 on social media
Some users discovered they quite like the solitude they faced in 2020.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Jan 1, 2021
Adults seek solace in the wisdom of children online amid pandemic
Parents have spent more time with their children over the past 12 months than perhaps any time in the country's history.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Dec 29, 2020
Raise your glasses to 2020: Good riddance!
Drinking culture changed in a lot of ways in 2020. On one hand, we drink alone more. On the other hand, we don't have to worry about the last train as much.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Dec 26, 2020
New year cards return with a vengeance as Japan looks for a ray of hope in 2021
Japan Post is expecting some 1.94 billion new year cards to be delivered in mailboxes nationwide.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Dec 19, 2020
Wait before shedding your entire work wardrobe amid the pandemic
Numerous posts on social media have questioned the need to wear a suit while working from home.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Dec 12, 2020
Online meeting moments of 2020: What could go wrong?
Unmistakable background sounds, visible sweatpants, sudden bowel movements u2026 Japan's workers experienced it all.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Dec 5, 2020
Consumers seek to enjoy a creative Christmas online amid COVID-19
Staying home for Christmas doesn't have to equate with being bored and lonely.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Nov 28, 2020
Is ‘Demon Slayer’ too violent for children?
Some children claim they're afraid to sleep after watching record-breaking anime in theaters.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Nov 10, 2020
Put your back into these body-related terms
Working from home is resulting in shoulder and back pain for some, but it won't hurt to brush up on some idioms.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Nov 7, 2020
Japan's students struggle to embrace online learning amid COVID-19
Japan's university students have had a rough six months and the immediate future isn’t looking much brighter.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Oct 31, 2020
Dress for success: The benefits of looking fresh in online meetings
If it helps, there's certainly no shortage of websites and blogs that offer advice on online etiquette tips.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Oct 27, 2020
Friendly or too familiar? The tricky parameters of using 'chan'
The 'chan' suffix is often used for women in Japan as a cute term of affection, but there are certain circumstances in which you should stick to 'san.'
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Oct 17, 2020
The individual makes a comeback in Japan amid COVID-19
Companies are successfully offering goods and services that target individuals in the “solo” market. But there's a catch u2026
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Oct 3, 2020
The not-so-secret allure of camping in Japan amid a pandemic
Public transport isn't generally an option, campers seldom use restaurants or hotels, and social distancing is virtually a given.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Sep 26, 2020
Japan's remote workforce packs on a few pounds amid pandemic
Some reports suggest that women put on an average of 2.6 kilograms in April and May. Men, by comparison, added an average of 3.3 kilograms.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Sep 22, 2020
Channeling that 1964 spirit amid the pandemic
Sacrifice, dedication and training — these were the pillars that supported athletes in the 1964 Olympics. They might help during the pandemic, too.

Longform

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