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Japan Times
SATOYAMA CONSORTIUM
Apr 21, 2019

New demand, challenges for lacquer trade

The tradition of urushi (lacquer) production that almost disappeared from Japan is enjoying new life thanks to recent demand, but is also facing simultaneous hardship. Takuo Matsuzawa, president of Joboji Urushi Workshop Co. in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, spoke about the present and future of urushi at...
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / The Big Questions
Apr 21, 2019

'Busy and exciting' times predicted for EU-Japan ties

Patricia Flor brings new meaning to the phrase 'hit the ground running.' Within two hours of her arrival in Japan last autumn to begin her assignment, she jumped straight into work.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Apr 21, 2019

Chinese Navy's 70th anniversary celebrations: Mere muscle-flexing or something more?

China's navy will mark its 70th anniversary this week with an array of events, including a massive international fleet review and parade — but is this merely military muscle-flexing or something more nuanced?
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / JAPAN LITE
Apr 21, 2019

The lesson from one student-led trash pick-up is that everyone needs to do their part

It's April on Shiraishi Island in Japan's Seto Inland Sea. The nights are still crisp, dipping to 4 degrees Celsius, but the sky is clear and the stars arc over the beach like thousands of glittery sequins on a pop idol's stage dress. The constellations are so prominent, even a young child can pick out...
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Apr 21, 2019

Ichikawa Kagura: Saving the dances of the gods

As performers of Shinto theatrical dance age, the Sanriku International Arts festival hopes to encourage youth to help preserve tradition.
EDITORIALS
Apr 21, 2019

Jokowi wins a second term

Indonesian President Joko Widodo should use his second term to double down on his reform efforts as well as resist more strongly the creep of hard-line Islam into what has been a model of tolerance for the Muslim world.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: TECH
Apr 21, 2019

Often, it's the little things that count

These small gadgets have the big jobs of controlling home appliances, keeping kids safe and printing on virtually anything.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Apr 21, 2019

'Roppongi Crossing': The right connections

If you're going to see big cartoon characters in an art gallery, the Mori Art Museum (MAM) is a good place to do it.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Apr 21, 2019

Japan and S. Korea: Where to from here?

Overconfidence led to disappointment, and could signal a new direction in relations between Tokyo and Seoul.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Apr 21, 2019

The roots of right-wing dominance in Israel

There are important structural reasons for Likud's durability in power, and a strong economy is just the start.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Regional Voices: Okinawa
Apr 21, 2019

Worker influx ignites resort island rent bubble on Miyakojima

An influx of construction workers to meet the demands of the tourism boom on the Okinawan resort island of Miyakojima is creating severe apartment shortages, sending rents higher.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal / ANALYSIS
Apr 21, 2019

Carole Ghosn goes on the offensive, launching media blitz for jailed auto executive husband

Carlos Ghosn's wife, Carole, assumes a starring role in the former Nissan Motor Co. chairman's defense and becomes his chief spokeswoman as well as appealing to both the public and politicians on his behalf.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Science & Health
Apr 21, 2019

China's top legislature to draw up tighter rules on human gene, embryo trials

China's National People's Congress (NPC), the country's top legislature, will consider tougher rules on research involving human genes and embryos, the first such move since a Chinese scientist sparked controversy last year by announcing he had created the world's first "gene-edited" babies.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Help Wanted?
Apr 21, 2019

Foreign staff bring new perspectives to smaller firms in Japan

There's no denying that Japan, amid a severe labor crunch and a shrinking population, will need to rely more on foreign workers in the coming years, and that's especially true for small and midsize companies.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
Apr 21, 2019

Theresa May's party reportedly will tell her to quit before July

A top member of Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative Party will tell her in the coming week that she must step down by the end of June or her lawmakers will try again to depose her, the Sunday Times reported, without citing sources.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
Apr 21, 2019

Syria's Assad discusses peace talks, renting out key port with Russians

Syrian President Bashar Assad met senior officials from his strongest ally, Russia, in Damascus on Friday and Saturday to discuss upcoming peace talks, renting out Tartus port and trade between the two countries, state media in Syria reported.
Japan Times
WORLD
Apr 21, 2019

Total of arrested climate activists passes 750 in Britain

More than 750 climate change activists blocking roads at some of London's most famous landmarks have been arrested over the last six days, police said on Saturday, up from a Friday total of 682.
Japan Times
WORLD
Apr 21, 2019

Airstrikes hit Tripoli in escalation of offensive by eastern Libyan forces

Several airstrikes and explosions shook the Libyan capital overnight, residents said, in an escalation of a two-week offensive by eastern forces on Tripoli, which is held by the internationally recognized government.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
Apr 21, 2019

Sudan arrests members of party of ousted leader al-Bashir amid investigation into corruption and crimes

Sudanese authorities have arrested several members of the former ruling party of ousted President Omar al-Bashir, an official of his National Congress Party (NCP) said on Saturday.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 21, 2019

Aging Japan to see 25% of breadwinners turn 75 or older by 2040: report

Japan's rapidly-aging society will see a quarter of its breadwinners turn 75 or older by 2040, the Nikkei daily has reported, citing a study from the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research.
CARTOONS / ZERO GRAVITY
Apr 21, 2019

Speechless

Japan Times
BASKETBALL / B. League
Apr 20, 2019

Hannaryz, Diamond Dolphins, Grouses keep alive playoff hopes

The race for the final two playoff spots will be determined on the final day of the regular season.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Apr 20, 2019

Downsized dwellings: Inside Tokyo's tiny living spaces

Twenty-five-year-old Sotaro Ito lives in a 9.46-square-meter apartment with a loft in the capital's retro-hip Koenji district.
JAPAN / Media / MEDIA MIX
Apr 20, 2019

NHK docudrama reveals telephone scam tactics

Thai police last month raided a residence in Pattaya where an alleged telephone swindling operation was taking place. They discovered 15 Japanese nationals suspected of calling retired people in Japan and fooling them into purchasing electronic money. Japanese police say they will arrest the suspects...
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Apr 20, 2019

'Japan' by Jeff Kingston: Taking stock of a country in a time of transition and change

Jeff Kingston's 'Japan' is a concise, highly readable overview of Japan's political evolution from 1945 to the present, observed from an overarching historical perspective.

Longform

Growing families are being priced out of Tokyo’s condo market, forced to choose between downtown convenience and suburban space.
Is living in central Tokyo still affordable?