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LIFE / Lifestyle
Feb 13, 2014

The trouble with books that change over time

A few weeks ago, I bought a copy of "The Second Machine Age" by two MIT researchers, Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee, who are among the most insightful commentators currently writing about the likely impact on employment of advanced robotics, machine learning and big-data analytics. Since I already...
Japan Times
BUSINESS / NOTEBOOK
Feb 4, 2014

Valentine's charity party, Pokemon letter set

JAPAN
Feb 2, 2014

Momii's rise tests NHK's reputation

For millions of Japanese, and even Japan-watchers abroad, NHK is a trusted source of information: gray in tone perhaps, but neither black nor white on the issues. This assumption has been put to the test by new NHK Chairman Katsuto Momii, whose recent remarks have led many to wonder whether the public...
COMMENTARY / World
Jan 31, 2014

What exactly are these Obama 'executive orders'?

In the aftermath of President Barack Obama's State of the Union address, there is a lot of confusion about the phrase 'executive actions.' These are an optional tool the president can use to get something done.
JAPAN
Jan 30, 2014

Scholar quits NHK over nuclear power hush-up

A noted professor who regularly provides commentary on an NHK AM radio show resigns from the program to protest the broadcaster's demand that nuclear power not be discussed until after the Feb. 9 Tokyo gubernatorial poll.
BUSINESS / Companies
Jan 24, 2014

Sony to set up genome analysis firm

Sony Corp. said Thursday it will establish a company in Tokyo in late February that will conduct human genome analysis, part of the electronics giant's efforts to bolster medical operations.
Events / KANSAI: WHO & WHAT
Jan 24, 2014

Dancers sought for 'Dance 4 All' Kyoto event

Kyoto Art Center is seeking people who are interested in performing in the "Dance 4 All" events in Kyoto on Feb. 22 and 23.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel / HOTELS & RESTAURANTS
Jan 23, 2014

Shangri-La's afternoon tea, Setsubun roll cakes in Yokohama

Shangri-La's afternoon tea
EDITORIALS
Jan 21, 2014

Collision in the Inland Sea

The Japan Coast Guard and the Japan Transport Safety are investigating the details of the most recent collision between an MSDF ship and a fishing boat, this time in the Inland Sea.
COMMENTARY
Jan 21, 2014

Obama's still spying on you, no matter what he says

If you're worried that the government has already collected enough phone-call metadata to map out the details of your life at the click of a button, then President Barack Obama's much-hyped speech recently on intelligence gathering will probably do little to allay your concerns.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / NOTEBOOK
Jan 21, 2014

'Eho-maki' fair; EU Gateway Programme

seasonal
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Jan 20, 2014

Expiry dates

It's hard when our children decide we're past our prime. Let's prove we've still got a little shelf life sorting out an admittedly tricky subject.
COMMENTARY
Jan 16, 2014

Putin PR hides woes in 2014

The Kremlin's dismay at the scale and longevity of protests in Moscow and other cities, following the fraudulent election in December 2011, is forcing Putin to find new ways to shore up his presidency.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / JAPAN WEB WATCH
Jan 16, 2014

Japan's mobile apps provide an 'A' for every 'Q'

Question and answer sites have for a decade been one of the most popular user-contributed services on the Web — and Japan is no exception. On the traditional Web, the market has been occupied by a few big players, but the recent popularity of smartphones has attracted new startups to the mobile Web...
COMMENTARY / World
Jan 14, 2014

Economic inequality by the click

Free markets are expected to distribute the fruits of some new technologies in dramatically unequal ways. Will the relative losers, satiated by computer games and Internet entertainment, and provided with the basics of a minimally acceptable life, be too docile to revolt?
EDITORIALS
Jan 13, 2014

Protecting consumers against fraud

The Diet has enacted a law that sets the procedure for class-action lawsuits aimed at helping consumers who have suffered financial damage from unscrupulous sales methods receive compensation from companies.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jan 12, 2014

Japan goes back to the future to affirm energy 'foundation'

The Japanese government's recently released draft Basic Energy Plan goes as close as possible to preserving the pre-Fukushima nuclear status quo, event with all nuclear power plants currently closed down and public opinion still strongly in favor of a nuclear phase-out.
COMMENTARY / World
Jan 10, 2014

Hidden consequences of Snowden's revelations

The most insidious consequence of the Edward Snowden affair and the NSA controversy may be the destruction of trust in closer collaboration between the private sector and government in protecting vital electronic systems.
Japan Times
JAPAN / CHUBU CONNECTION
Jan 10, 2014

Chubu won't stop at just 10 million tourists

The government achieved its target of seeing 10 million tourists in 2013, thanks largely to the easing of visa requirements for Southeast Asian travelers and the weakening of the yen to fight deflation.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / TELLING LIVES
Jan 3, 2014

Drawing out the demons and dreams of Fukushima

Artist Geoff Read is currently focused on helping Fukushima's children articulate their hopes and fears. As he explains, 'In my Strong Children Japan Project, the most important thing the pictures can do is to help these children have a safer childhood.'
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Jan 2, 2014

Abe's diplomatic overtures are likely to fall on deaf ears

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe saw relatively smooth diplomatic sailing in 2013, but he flushed his year-long effort down the drain with his surprising visit to Yasukuni Shrine.

Longform

Mount Fuji is considered one of Japan's most iconic symbols and is a major draw for tourists. It's still a mountain, though, and potential hikers need to properly prepare for any climb.
What it takes to save lives on Mount Fuji