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Eriko Yamakuma
For Eriko Yamakuma's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 6, 2021
With Tokyo bars and restaurants closed, drinkers take to the streets
Drinkers might be savoring the opportunity to maintain a social life amid the coronavirus pandemic, but authorities have been less welcoming.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 21, 2021
Tokyo parks offer respite amid pandemic, but authorities urge vigilance
With their wide, open spaces, large parks have become crowded with people hanging out under the sun, something that is likely to increase during the upcoming Golden Week holidays.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 16, 2021
Japan's passport remains world's most powerful — in theory
International travel may not be in the cards for the time being amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but holders can, on paper, access a record 193 countries without a visa.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 24, 2021
Japan's cherry blossom season: A time for cautious appreciation
People viewing the blossoms in Tokyo share with The Japan Times their feelings on this year's subdued festivities.
Japan Times
JAPAN / SPELLING BEE
Mar 12, 2021
Winner of Japan Spelling Bee looks ahead to U.S. contest
Yugen Padhye won the 12th Japan Spelling Bee on March 6, after correctly spelling the winning word — 'dodecahedron.'
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Mar 3, 2021
This patch developed in Japan could let you vaccinate yourself
The 'biobattery-powered microneedle patch' allows a vaccine to be absorbed faster than with the medical patches currently available commercially.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 5, 2021
Looking to the heavens: Japanese temple planned for inside satellite
Services will be held remotely in Kyoto, and prayers will be sent to the 'space temple' to be saved in its memory.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 15, 2021
Cherry blossom to bloom three days earlier than average this year in Tokyo
The distinctive seasonal flowers are expected to open on March 23 this year in the capital, as well as in Kochi and Fukuoka prefectures, reaching full bloom eight days later on March 31.

Longform

Later this month, author Shogo Imamura will open Honmaru, a bookstore that allows other businesses to rent its shelves. It's part of a wave of ideas Japanese booksellers are trying to compete with online spaces.
The story isn't over for Japan's bookstores