National / Social Issues May 21, 2020

How do you reduce stress in a confined space? Ask an astronaut

Atsuhiro Mitsumaru, principal medical officer at Japan's space agency, says a comparison can be drawn between life on the ISS and staying at home.

National / Social Issues Apr 10, 2020

Fukushima mothers record radiation for future generations

A group of more than 10 mothers set up a citizen-led laboratory to monitor radiation levels in Fukushima communities only months after a massive earthquake and tsunami caused meltdowns at a nuclear power plant in the prefecture nine years ago. Since the foundation of the ...

National / Science & Health | ANALYSIS Mar 22, 2020

Experts sound alarm over Japan's coronavirus testing

Some are casting doubt on whether the country can provide adequate testing and promote effective policies to contain the outbreak.

Lifestyle Jan 20, 2020

Young female divers help keep tradition alive

As Japan's ama (female divers) numbers dwindle, younger divers strive to find ways to pass down the culture.

National Jan 13, 2020

Plain Japanese, please: Amid tourism boom, easy form of language could help ease communication

With Japan targeted by an ever increasing flood of visitors, the plain form of Japanese is spreading as a more inclusive means of communication in situations ranging from disasters to tourism. "Every language must be respected, and when we communicate with people who don't speak ...

National Aug 14, 2019

Saitama shiitake farmer looks to build on her mushrooming success

For Kaori Nukui, who grows Japanese tea and log-grown shiitake mushrooms, farming is a creative endeavor that allows her to turn her agricultural yield into unique products with a playful twist. Two of the products created by the 41-year-old former public relations consultant from Saitama ...

National / Social Issues Jul 2, 2019

Japan's gender problem is a 'human disaster,' says award-winning scholar Chizuko Ueno

After several high-profile incidents in recent years shone the spotlight on Japan's problems with sexism, a Japanese women's studies pioneer has been granted special recognition from Finland, a leading country in promoting gender equality. Chizuko Ueno, a sociologist and prominent feminist figure in Japan, last ...

Style & Design Jun 2, 2019

Muslim siblings promote diversity with fashion and flowers

Raised by Indonesian Muslim parents in Tokyo, Aufa Yazid and Ghufron Yazid bring a cross-cultural perspective to fashion and art while adhering to their faith.

Rugby Jan 26, 2019

After a challenging upbringing, Toyota prop forward Yusuke Yamada seeks to inspire youth

Yusuke Yamada, a 20-year-old prop forward for the Toyota Industries Shuttles, is one of the many rugby players excited about Toyota hosting 2019 Rugby World Cup matches. Yamada, who hopes to one day play for Japan's Brave Blossoms and the Sunwolves, the nation's Super Rugby ...

Food & Drink Jan 4, 2019

Foreign pair bring energy and fresh ideas to the table in Japan's traditional sake industry

When two foreign nationals dipped their toe into the traditional sake brewing industry as sales staff, they not only discovered the intricacies of the beverage, but they also came to understand the unique aspects of working in one of the country's most traditional industries. The ...