National / Social Issues Mar 4, 2021

Robot pets help ease virus isolation in Japan

From fluffy mechanical seals and mechanical singing companions to devices that simply crave love and attention, the pandemic has boosted sales nationwide.

Business / Economy Jul 3, 2020

Japan pandemic jobless data masks woe of millions, experts say

Analysts point out the low rate does not account for millions — especially women — who gave up their job during the pandemic to care for family.

Culture Jun 22, 2020

Pandemic pushes Japanese geisha to get online

With their places of work closed, the entertainers have been forced to think creatively to keep their incomes flowing.

Food & Drink May 26, 2020

A Tokyo ramen restaurant with a twist: Broth made from crickets

In a steamy Tokyo kitchen, a roasted scent wafts through the air as Yuta Shinohara prepares soup stock for ramen, derived not from pork or chicken, but crickets. "In this pan, we have 10,000 crickets, making stock for 100 bowls," Shinohara explained, as he stirred ...