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Michiru Mekata

For Michiru Mekata's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:

Japan Times

Special Supplements / United Nations Day Special

Oct 24, 2019

Hello world: Sanrio teams up with UN on SDGs

Since her creation in 1974, Hello Kitty has become an international icon. However, she is now more than just a popular character on commercial products. In a bid to reach a wider audience, Hello Kitty has joined the ranks of advocates for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Japan Times

JAPAN / UNITED NATIONS DAY

Oct 24, 2017

SDGs, justice and female leaders

Recently, U.N. Information Centre Director Kaoru Nemoto had the chance to meet Justice Minister Yoko Kamikawa. Nemoto asked about Kamikawa's expectations toward the U.N., especially in relation to the upcoming 14th U.N. Crime Congress to be held in Japan in 2020. The two also exchanged views on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and crime prevention, as well as female leadership in Japan. The summary of the dialogue is below.

Japan Times

JAPAN / 50TH ADB ANNUAL MEETING

May 4, 2017

The attraction and appeal of the world's best beef

The sizzle and the smell whet your appetite. Take a bite, and you'll find the flavorsome meat literally melting in your mouth. Welcome to the world of Kobe beef that has captured the palates and hearts of gourmands over the years as the world's choicest beef.

Japan Times

JAPAN / GASTECH JAPAN 2017

Apr 4, 2017

LNG to light way for brighter future

The air has definitely become cleaner and the skies bluer in Japan as various industries have strived since the late 1960s to become energy efficient and eco-friendly. Today, cars are also becoming exhaust-free by adopting hybrid and fuel cell technology. "Compared to the 20th century known as the era of oil, the 21st century is expected to become the era of gas. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is one of the major players in promoting the clean energy movement of various industries, and Japan leads the way in the development and application of LNG technology in countless fields," explained a professional with 40 years in the field.

Japan Times

JAPAN / GASTECH JAPAN 2017

Apr 4, 2017

Chiba Prefecture boasts green parks, long history

Inhabited by people since the pre-historic era, Makuhari is today a conference city that — thanks to its proximity to Tokyo — is highly regarded as a convenient site for holding various events and conferences. Makuhari lies in Chiba Prefecture, which has a land area of 5,156 sq. kilometers and a population of just over 6 million.

Japan Times

JAPAN / JAPANESE IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Dec 19, 2016

Nation committed to foster more globally minded youth

Over many decades, Japan has contributed greatly in the areas of global cooperation and coordination, through its generous donations of funds to the U.N. Despite such generosity, the number of Japanese working for international institutions remains low and has been increasing only marginally over the years.

Japan Times

LIFE / Food & Drink / G7 Ise-Shima Summit Special

May 25, 2016

Increased efforts made to expand Japanese food exports

Vegetable and fish tempura fried crisp and crunchy, paper-thin slices of wagyu changing color as they are dipped in a steaming hot shabu-shabu pot and delicate wagashi (Japanese confectionery) borrowing seasonal motifs from nature and classic Japanese literature are only a few examples of Japanese food that has come to win worldwide acclaim.

Japan Times

JAPAN / EXPO MILANO 2015

May 3, 2015

Kinki University leads way in aquaculture evolution

Tuna has been popular, especially as sushi, among the Japanese for many centuries. But as the popularity of Japanese food has continued to rise throughout the world, the supply of tuna is now considered to be reaching the point of depletion. This is especially true for northern bluefin tuna, which has been highly praised for its delicate taste and thus has been overfished in recent years.

Japan Times

WORLD / EXPO MILANO 2015

May 3, 2015

Chiba University successfully producing vegetables in factories

Bright green lettuce leaves are ready for picking, while ripe red tomatoes bow their stalks. Natural produce as they seem to be, the lettuce is grown inside an artificially lit plant factory, while the tomatoes are cultivated inside a solar plant factory, both operated by Chiba University.

Japan Times

WORLD / TICAD V SPECIAL

Jun 1, 2013

Short excursions for exploring Yokohama's waterfront area

When U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry sailed his fleet of "Black Ships" from America and urged Japan to open up, there was much fury and discussion as to which ports should be permitted for use by the foreigners. The original treaty between the two countries suggested the opening of Kanagawa, in addition to Nagasaki in Kyushu and Hakodate in Hokkaido. But not wanting the foreigners to be too close to the capitol of Edo (the current Tokyo), and to avoid any clashes with the Japanese locals, the Tokugawa shogunate suggested the use of Yokohama instead of Kanagawa, since Kanagawa served as an important stopover point on the Tokaido route linking Edo and Kyoto.

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

Students ‘study abroad’ on island of Suo Oshima

Students ‘study abroad’ on island of Suo Oshima

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