Junko Suzuki - The Japan Times

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Junko Suzuki

For Junko Suzuki's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:

JAPAN

Jan 27, 2009

Consumers warm to ginger in drinks, soups

Long used as a spice in cooking, "shoga" (ginger) is now being added to caramel, cocoa, vegetable juice and "happoshu" beerlike drinks.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Jan 1, 2009

Barrier-free tours gain popularity

So-called barrier-free tours are on the rise at home and abroad as travel agencies try to come up with a wider variety of travel packages that cater to the needs of elderly and disabled people.

JAPAN

Oct 1, 2008

Net communication putting students in touch

More schools are using information-communication equipment and some are even using the technology to carry out exchanges with other schools in distant places.

JAPAN

Apr 9, 2008

Firms see gold in metabolic syndrome war

Companies offering programs aimed at reducing metabolic syndrome are making headway in anticipation of the multibillion yen market likely to be generated from the April introduction of obligatory physical checkups and health counseling.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Jan 17, 2008

Food 'meisters' coming to the fore

It may be the recent food-related scandals, or it may just be the latest manifestation of Japan's fascination with the culinary arts, but more and more people are seeking accreditation as experts on specific kinds of food.

Japan Times

BUSINESS

Nov 2, 2007

Marketers use sample shop to gauge consumers

For consumers looking for freebies, its hard to beat the Sample Lab! store in Tokyo.

Japan Times

BUSINESS

Aug 3, 2007

Disabled find jobs as workforce shrinks

A growing number of socially aware companies are stepping up efforts to support the disabled by offering jobs suitable for physically and mentally impaired people.

JAPAN

Sep 28, 2006

'Furoshiki' beats the usual wrap

"Furoshiki," the wrapping cloth used since ancient times, is increasingly being viewed as highly suitable for modern life, as more people become environmentally conscious and try to reduce the amount of waste related to use of paper and plastic bags.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Jul 18, 2006

'Yukata' enjoying sales boom thanks to affordable pricing, flashy colors

The "yukata," or summer kimono, is enjoying a sales boom among women thanks to drastically reduced prices and bold designs inspired by Western clothing.

JAPAN

Jul 1, 2006

Mobile phone-downloadable 'manga' boom market with insatiable demand

"Manga" comics that can be downloaded to mobile phones are increasing at a rapid rate and beginning to exceed the number available for personal computers and personal digital assistants.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Jun 15, 2006

Younger women embracing 'kampo' traditional medicine with a passion

Many young women are increasingly turning to "kampo," the Japanese version of traditional Chinese medicine, in hopes it will make them feel and look better.

Japan Times

BUSINESS

May 27, 2006

Internships popular with companies, universities

The nation's universities and companies have taken a cue from the West and are increasing their participation in internship programs, which are being praised for not only motivating future workers but also for giving them a leg up in real-world job skills.

Japan Times

BUSINESS

Apr 14, 2006

Companies court women with children as workforce shrinks

Companies are trying to make working conditions more tolerable for women with children in an effort to retain them as the workforce continues to shrink amid population decline and the retirement of the baby boomers.

Japan Times

BUSINESS

Apr 8, 2006

Frozen food makers vie to minimize cooking requirements

Overall sales of frozen food have stayed more or less flat, but one segment of the market -- namely ingredients packed into "bento" boxed lunches -- is showing robust growth.

JAPAN

Mar 21, 2006

Airport shops find sweet spot with local treats

Retail shops at airports across the country have been doing brisk business selling "bento" (boxed meals) made with local delicacies.

Japan Times

BUSINESS

Mar 7, 2006

Ailing radio broadcasters see promise in podcasts

Podcasting, a new type of Web broadcasting via digital music players like the Apple iPod, might prove a boon for businesses that are increasingly catching on to its novel commercial potential.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Feb 9, 2006

Firms develop allergen-free foods for busy moms

Food manufacturers are developing products to help feed children with food allergies.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Jan 16, 2006

Whether its 'hot' or 'powerful,' yoga is back

Having gone in and out a fashion several times in the past, yoga is back in the spotlight again, put there this time by women in their 20s and 30s.

JAPAN

Dec 24, 2005

Net transactors warned to beware of spyware

Making financial transactions online or just surfing the Internet can jeopardize the security of your personal data.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Dec 15, 2005

'Cup sake' goes down well with the trendy

Sake is finding a new fan base for "cup sake," drunk straight from the single-serving container it is sold in.

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

Historically, kabuki was considered the entertainment of the merchant and peasant classes, a far cry from how it is regarded today.

For Japan's oldest kabuki theater, the show must go on

By Lance Henderstein

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Leading Japan’s sustainability from Tokyo

Leading Japan’s sustainability from Tokyo

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