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EDITORIALS
Apr 26, 2010

The next generation of cars

Efforts to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the face of global warming are likely to greatly alter the face of car industry. Whether automakers can produce cars with low CO2 emissions, such as hybrid or electric cars, will be a key to their survival. This consideration is clearly behind the recent...
Japan Times
COMMUNITY
Apr 24, 2010

American expat finds Sierra Leone heritage

To some in Japan, the word "expat" is often associated with negative images — isolation, language and culture barriers, and a general lack of interaction, connection, acceptance and/or understanding. For California native Francesca Conate, however, the life of the expatriate means opportunity — the...
JAPAN
Apr 23, 2010

Plenty of sites already considered, rejected

OSAKA — With possible new locations for the Futenma air base being suggested or reported on a seemingly daily basis, Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama now has very few political options to propose to the U.S.
COMMENTARY / World
Apr 23, 2010

Thailand's political and social elite in denial?

BANGKOK — Thailand's political and social fabric is fraying. Indeed, the country's future looks as shaky as it has never been.
JAPAN
Apr 23, 2010

Technically Kagoshima but Ryukyu in its soul

TOKUNOSHIMA, Kagoshima Pref. — Astute readers will notice this story is datelined "Kagoshima Prefecture." But given that this island lies just southwest of Amami-Oshima and roughly 100 km from the northern tip of Okinawa, it's no surprise that Tokunoshima feels more like a part of the Ryukyu Islands...
EDITORIALS
Apr 21, 2010

Troubling new toll system

The Hatoyama administration April 9 announced a new expressway toll system that will take effect in June. The new system will cap per-day tolls on motorcycles and minicars at ¥1,000, standard-size cars at ¥2,000 and larger vehicles, including trucks and buses, at ¥5,000 or ¥10,000 depending on their...
JAPAN
Apr 20, 2010

Ash-stranded Europeans low on cash, nerves

NARITA, Chiba Pref. — Europeans stranded at Narita International Airport expressed fatigue and frustration Monday after spending four days riding out the travel chaos caused by Iceland's volcanic ash.
SOCCER
Apr 20, 2010

Barca gets ready for bus marathon

LONDON (AP) Barcelona will have to overcome the absence of Andres Iniesta and a grueling road trip when it continues its Champions League defense with a semifinal at Inter Milan on Tuesday.
MORE SPORTS
Apr 20, 2010

Volcanic ash delays Japan MotoGP

The Japanese round of the MotoGP motorcycle world championship has been postponed because of air travel disruptions caused by Iceland's volcanic eruption.
COMMENTARY / COUNTERPOINT
Apr 18, 2010

Hisashi Inoue: A great friend, writer, and people's champion is gone

O n Friday, April 9, Hisashi Inoue died at the age of 75, and with his passing Japan lost its most brilliant playwright.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Apr 16, 2010

'Carriers (Phase 6)'

With the pollen-infused, mask-wearing allergy season in full swing, our thoughts will no doubt at some point turn to viral outbreak — or so the Japanese distributors of "Carriers" (released in Japan as "Phase 6") are likely hoping. This little-seen, under-appreciated horror film that opened in the...
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Apr 15, 2010

Why do English teachers have to be native speakers?

In Japan, non-native English-language instructors from South Asian countries are challenging cultural stereotypes and putting a new face on the industry. And it hasn't been any easy task.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Apr 15, 2010

JBIC vows to help companies regain global edge

The Japan Bank for International Cooperation will take more risks to help companies win overseas projects after they lost bids in Abu Dhabi and Vietnam, the head of the state-run lender said.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET
Apr 13, 2010

What Japanese phenomena would you like to see exported abroad?

Phil MacKenzie Engineer, 47 (English) I like the communal way of eating, so I'd like to see more Japanese food overseas, like yakitori and shabu shabu. It's a fun and friendly way to eat a meal.
Japan Times
BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball
Apr 11, 2010

NPB commissioner Kato has big plans for game

Nippon Professional Baseball commissioner Ryozo Kato has a vision for Japanese baseball that stretches far beyond the nation's borders.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / Japan Pulse
Apr 11, 2010

With Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, is a hit for the PSP at hand?

Konami bets the farm on mobile gaming and product tie-ins with the highly anticipated release of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker for the PSP.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / JAPAN LITE
Apr 10, 2010

Navigating the Seto Inland Sea ferry services

Someone wrote to me and, rather emphatically, told me to give them the ferry schedule for Matsuyama (population 420,000), Ehime Prefecture on Shikoku to Shiraishi Island (population 659) where I am. I was sorry to have to tell him that swimming would be faster.

Longform

A small shrine perched atop rocks braves the waves hitting the shoreline during a storm in Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture. The area is under threat of a possible 31-meter-high tsunami if an earthquake strikes the nearby Nankai Trough.
If the 'Big One' hits, this city could face a 31-meter-high tsunami