Ayano Shimizu - The Japan Times

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Ayano Shimizu

For Ayano Shimizu's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:

Japan Times

JAPAN

May 13, 2021

Fukushima flower growers hope to make Tokyo Olympics bloom

The town of Namie is hoping to shake off its image as a place forever linked to disaster.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Mar 25, 2021

Start of Olympic torch relay draws mixed feelings in Fukushima

While some are keen to show off the progress the Tohoku region has made in the past 10 years, others feel the government has used the 2011 disasters to promote the Olympics.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Mar 25, 2021

Tokyo Olympic torch relay begins amid COVID-19 fears

The relay will be a crucial opportunity for organizers to convince people that it is capable of safely staging the games amid the pandemic.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Mar 23, 2021

Tokyo Olympic torch relay to offer cultural showcase amid pandemic

As well as being a momentum building exercise for the Olympics, the relay also serves as a much-needed PR opportunity for traditional sports in Japan.

Japan Times

LIFE / Food & Drink

Mar 6, 2021

Tying the flavors of the world together with omusubi rice balls

The 'Omusubi Unites the World' program lets participants combine local rice with fillings inspired by popular international dishes.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Jan 21, 2021

IOC's Thomas Bach says 'no plan B': Tokyo Olympics will be held

'We have, at this moment, no reason whatsoever to believe that the Olympic Games in Tokyo will not open on the 23rd of July,' the IOC chief says.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Jan 5, 2021

Pandemic puts Fukushima host town for Thai Olympic boxers on edge

Municipalities set to welcome athletes are now scrambling to come up with effective measures to protect their health, despite not knowing what to expect next summer.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Oct 27, 2020

School trips in Japan go virtual during pandemic

With fears over the coronavirus continuing, students are taking part in remote excursions from the safety of their classrooms.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Aug 12, 2020

Nagasaki A-bomb survivor determined to use English to share memories

Michio Hakariya had begun to feel that his inability to speak directly to foreign audiences was blunting his message.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Aug 6, 2020

Hiroshima marks 75th atomic bomb anniversary with call for unity in pandemic

Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui said countries should put aside their differences and come together to overcome both man-made and natural challenges.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Art

Aug 4, 2020

Saitama gallery raises money online to share iconic A-bomb paintings worldwide

The work of Iri and Toshi Maruki depicts the aftermath of the August 1945 bombings along with other aspects of World War II.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Jul 28, 2020

Virus scuppers Nagasaki A-bomb museum’s plans for 75th anniversary

The COVID-19 pandemic has led Nagasaki to scale down its plans for this year's commemorations.

Japan Times

MORE SPORTS

Jul 24, 2020

Olympic swimming star Katie Ledecky staying focused amid pandemic

The 15-time freestyle world champion is ready to make adjustments ahead of next year's postponed Tokyo Olympics.

Japan Times

OLYMPICS

May 1, 2020

Mongolian athletes stranded in Japan remain hopeful for Paralympics

Mongolian athletes and para athletes have continued to train in their Japanese host cities in preparation for the delayed Tokyo Games.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Jan 13, 2020

Chiba residents open doors in warmup for 2020 crowds

With the 2020 Games just six months away, residents in Chiba, a city that will host several Olympic and Paralympic competitions, are preparing to open their doors to visitors under a program that encourages residents to host paying guests during popular events.

Japan Times

Rugby

Dec 1, 2019

Keio boys triumph as Japan's oldest sides play memorial match

A memorial match between two of Japan's oldest rugby clubs was held in Yokohama on Sunday to commemorate the country's longest rivalry.

Japan Times

Rugby

Oct 19, 2019

Brave Blossoms' RWC quarterfinal brings back memories of rugby great Seiji Hirao

While Japan's first-ever quarterfinal match at the Rugby World Cup will be remembered as a new page in the sport's history, it will also serve as a time to revisit the accomplishments of former playmaker and coach Seiji Hirao who helped lay the foundation for the team's success at the current tournament.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Oct 17, 2019

Wheelchair rugby team guns for share of spotlight as Japan excels at World Cup

While the ongoing Rugby World Cup has raised the profile of the sport in Japan, wheelchair rugby players also hope to earn a share of the spotlight ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.

Japan Times

Rugby

Sep 25, 2019

Bowing to fans becomes new trend for teams at Rugby World Cup

Teams competing at the Rugby World Cup in Japan have taken up a new tradition of bowing to spectators after matches to express their appreciation, a familiar scene in Japanese rugby.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Jul 30, 2019

Deadly heat a major concern for Tokyo Games

With Tokyo's summer heat and unpredictable weather likely to prove a severe headache during the 2020 Olympics, sports bodies are using every resource at their disposal to prepare athletes and spectators for extreme conditions.

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

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

By Alex K.T. Martin

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Prize winner Maki Imoto catches light with glass

Prize winner Maki Imoto catches light with glass

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