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CULTURE / Entertainment news
Mar 30, 2020

Ken Shimura’s entertainment legacy spans generations

Entertainer Ken Shimura didn’t belong to any single generation. Following news that the 70-year-old comedian had died on Sunday from pneumonia caused by COVID-19, TV broadcasters on Monday featured both Shimura’s contemporaries and much younger personalities visibly upset over his passing.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Mar 30, 2020

‘Jobs for life’ in South Korea and Japan set to cushion virus blow

A longtime thorn for businesses and productivity in Japan and South Korea is set to prove a bulwark for those economies as the coronavirus threatens millions of jobs around the world.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Mar 28, 2020

Shiho Sakamoto: Designing wagashi for the 21st century

Wagashi designer Shiho Sakamoto is embracing technology, using Instagram, video and even 3D printing to introduce wagashi sweets to new generations around the world.
CULTURE / Books / RECENTLY PUBLISHED BOOKS ABOUT JAPAN
Mar 28, 2020

'The Salaryman' review: Spilling the secrets of Japan's everyman

Alongside its humor, Michael Thuresson's recent memoir, "The Salaryman," provides an insightful look at Japan's corporate workforce. In 2008, Thuresson was a 32-year-old product manager at a small LA software startup who suddenly landed a high-paying job with a Japanese corporation of over 50,000 employees....
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Mar 28, 2020

Joseph Everett: Learn to make your own healthy decisions

Joseph Everett shares what he's learned as a YouTuber
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle / Kateigaho International Japan Edition
Mar 28, 2020

Tokyo revealed: Atmospheric, open-air antique markets

Oedo Antique Market
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Mar 27, 2020

Squarepusher speaks up for a little human kindness

In 2016, shortly after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, Tom Jenkinson released a plaintive protest song under his Squarepusher alias, titled “MIDI Sans Frontieres.” Though he’s better known for maximalist explosions of breakbeats, hyperactive acid synths and fusion-jazz frippery,...
Japan Times
CULTURE
Mar 25, 2020

When a cartoon crocodile dies, give us time to mourn

While people on social media have largely been preoccupied with the pandemic, the most buzzed-about happening online in Japan involves a crocodile — don’t roll your eyes just yet — which, at some point, transformed into a commentary on the follies of capitalism and its drive for continuous growth....
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Mar 24, 2020

Public health and political dogma

Both national and international approaches have to be pursued with balance, vision and wisdom if the COVID-19 pandemic is to be comprehensively defeated.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle / CHILD'S PLAY
Mar 23, 2020

Teens can sharpen their cooking skills with Japanese recipes

When older kids become a little reluctant to hang out with the parents, enticing them out with food often works, and what better way than with a cooking class, where everyone can eat the results of an educational day out.
Japan Times
SATOYAMA CONSORTIUM
Mar 23, 2020

Ibaraki group offers cultural workshops

Spinning cotton, crafting traditional decorations and cooking hand-picked edible grass are just a few of the activities organized by the Tsukuba Green Tourism Association, a collection of some 15 local organizations and individual members in the city of Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / The Big Questions
Mar 22, 2020

Unique programs target a broad spectrum of viewers

For 20 years, Discovery Japan had shown television viewers the world around them. While Discovery Channel and Animal Planet were available in millions of Japanese homes, the company behind them knew viewer habits were changing.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Mar 22, 2020

For many in Japan, remote work during coronavirus outbreak is not an option

Remote work remains off-limits for many — in particular those engaged in occupations that require their physical presence in the workplace, such as cooks, hairdressers, taxi drivers and doctors.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Mar 21, 2020

In bloom? Celebrating Japan’s iconic cherry trees in a time of pandemic

Blossoms are beginning to open in Tokyo, but will this year's celebrations wither due to concern over the new coronavirus?
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle / Kateigaho International Japan Edition
Mar 21, 2020

Tokyo revealed: Farmer-forward, artisanal products, stunning variety

Farmers Market @UNU
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Mar 21, 2020

Mornington Crescent: Great British baking finds a home in Tokyo

Stacey Ward couldn't find the home-style British baked goods she craved in Tokyo. So she took things into her own oven and opened Mornington Crescent, a combination bakery and teaching space.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Mar 21, 2020

Why is Japan still a coronavirus outlier?

How has Japan seemingly escaped the spread of the coronavirus when other countries have suffered so badly?
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 20, 2020

Japan was expecting a coronavirus explosion. Where is it?

While there have been disruptions caused by school closures, life continues as normal for much of the population.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Mar 19, 2020

Nariaki Obukuro offers optimism with latest album, 'Piercing'

Nariaki Obukuro has been living in London for a little over a year now, and the Japanese singer-songwriter says the city routinely gets his imagination going.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / TOKYO FOOD FILE
Mar 14, 2020

Caveman: The best opening of the year? So far, at least

Little more than two months into 2020, already we have a strong candidate for the best opening of the year. And, at the same time, a probable shoo-in for most memorable restaurant name. After all, who's going to come up with anything better than Caveman — least of all in the casual-fine-dining category?...
LIFE / Lifestyle / Kateigaho International Japan Edition
Mar 14, 2020

Tokyo revealed: Bustling alleys, tempting aromas and treats galore

Although the Tsukiji Market has passed the baton over to Toyosu, the Tsukiji Outer Market, a shopping area adjacent to the old wholesale market, is still going strong at the same location and under the same name.
Japan Times
JAPAN / History / THE LIVING PAST
Mar 14, 2020

The Edo Period: An era of utter weirdness

The Edo Period (1603-1868) was a bizarre time that visitors to Japan could not help but comment on — the countless laws, the brutal punishments ... and the dogs.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Mar 14, 2020

In the footsteps of Okinawa's forgotten priestesses

Utaki (sacred sites) are scattered throughout the islands of Okinawa. Historically the purview of priestesses and kings, these sites have recently seen an uptick in visitors interested in exploring their own history.
Japan Times
Special Supplements / Sea of Japan discovery trail
Mar 13, 2020

Beautiful island paradise home to water activities, mountain trails

This is the third article in a Sea of Japan series, showcasing natural beauty spots, tourist attractions, conservation initiatives and the region's historical significance.
Japan Times
Special Supplements / Japan Cultural Expo
Mar 13, 2020

KIMONO: Fashioning Identities

The kimono — literally 'something to wear' — is not only one of Japan's most iconic symbols, but also perhaps one of the most recognizable pieces of clothing in the world. A garment for all occasions, it is surprisingly utilitarian in its functionality.
Japan Times
Special Supplements / Japan Cultural Expo
Mar 13, 2020

Washoku: Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine

Washoku, traditional Japanese cuisine, has gained global recognition and popularity in recent years, especially after it was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013. This exhibition examines the allure of the quintessential Japanese cuisine from different perspectives.

Longform

Ichiro Suzuki, one of the most iconic players in NPB and MLB history, was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame with 99.7% of the vote.
With Hall of Fame induction, Ichiro makes himself heard loud and clear