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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

'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 / 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
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

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 / 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
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
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN?
Apr 20, 2019

Shuichi Kotani: Taking soba noodles worldwide

From working at McDonald's in Himeji to making noodles for Japanese restaurants in America, Shuichi Kotani has always looked for and taken opportunities.
JAPAN / Media / BIG IN JAPAN
Apr 20, 2019

Understanding the true ties between health and success

There's a right way and a wrong way to do everything — and you're probably doing it wrong.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Apr 20, 2019

Exploring rural Japan from the comfort of your living room with 'The Inaka Project'

Video games usually have some level of conflict or pressure — solve this puzzle, blow up this machine, defeat this monster and so forth. That’s not the case with Inasa Fujio’s “The Inaka Project,” a first-person narrative game that leisurely takes players through Japan’s idyllic countryside....
Japan Times
JAPAN / History / THE LIVING PAST
Apr 20, 2019

Emperor Go-Daigo: The pride before a fall

The anonymous 14th-century chronicle 'Masukagami' ('The Clear Mirror,' translated by George Perkins), dramatically details the trials and errors of Emperor Go-Daigo, the 96th emperor of Japan.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Apr 20, 2019

Probe begins after large sums of cash are found at former Sudanese president's home

Sudan's public prosecutor has begun investigating ousted President Omar al-Bashir on charges of money laundering and possession of large sums of foreign currency without legal grounds, a judicial source said Saturday.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Apr 20, 2019

Who should decide how algorithms decide?

It is in everyone's interest to consider how technologies such as self-driving cars will navigate life-or-death ethical dilemmas in the real world.
SOCCER / J. League
Apr 20, 2019

Reds battle past struggling Vissel

Once again, the stage was set for Andres Iniesta to dazzle in front of a gigantic crowd at Saitama Stadium.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Apr 20, 2019

China to show off new nuclear subs, destroyers for first time at fleet review marking navy's 70th anniversary

China will show off some of its new warships — including nuclear submarines and destroyers — for the first time during a massive maritime parade marking the 70th anniversary of the Chinese Navy on Tuesday.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
Apr 20, 2019

Democrats make legal bid for all Russia probe evidence as Trump poll numbers drop

Congressional Democrats took legal action on Friday to gain access to all of U.S. special counsel Robert Mueller's evidence from his inquiry into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.
JAPAN / View from Osaka
Apr 20, 2019

Osaka Ishin's success could have impact on regional politics elsewhere in Japan

History shows cities that flourish due to maritime trade have a reputation for some of the world's most colorful, complex, and corrupt local politics. That includes the port of Osaka, which was trading with China and the Korean Peninsula more than 1,000 years ago.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 20, 2019

Japan's Imperial couple return to Tokyo after last trip outside capital before Emperor's abdication

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko returned to Tokyo on Friday after a three-day trip to Mie Prefecture for ceremonies at the Grand Shrines of Ise, where the Emperor reported his abdication set for April 30.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
Apr 20, 2019

Robert Mueller's report strengthens resolve on both sides of U.S. political spectrum

After months as volunteer activists demanding that U.S. President Donald Trump be impeached, Eileen and Michael O'Brien sat on their couch on Thursday, cracked open a laptop and began to read the 448-page special counsel report that liberals have dreamed would make impeachment a reality.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Apr 20, 2019

Reiwa topped Japan's new era name candidates after final push by Abe

At a meeting of all Cabinet ministers earlier this month, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he wanted Reiwa to be the name of the next Imperial era.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Apr 20, 2019

Japanese firms likely to expand year-round hiring of university graduates

Keidanren, the nation's top business lobby, and Japanese universities are expected to agree to let more companies introduce year-round hiring of new graduates, sources have said.
EDITORIALS
Apr 19, 2019

Much is at stake in the Japan-U.S. trade talks

Any deal that Japan reaches in the trade talks with the U.S. must be consistent with free trade rules under the multinational framework.

Longform

Tetsuzo Shiraishi, speaking at The Center of the Tokyo Raids and War Damage, uses a thermos to explain how he experienced the U.S. firebombing of March 1945, when he was just 7 years old.
From ashes to high-rises: A survivor’s account of Tokyo’s postwar past