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Japan Times
WORLD / Politics / FOCUS
Dec 17, 2016

Trump builds team of bosses and big egos to shake up Washington

With more than 20 nominees now selected, Donald Trump's Cabinet appears much like the president-elect himself: mostly older, white males, many of them wealthy, who see themselves as risk-takers and deal-makers and prize action over deliberation.
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 17, 2016

With Abe-Putin detente, former residents of Russian-held islands off Hokkaido hope to get easier access

Former residents of four islands off Hokkaido that were seized from Japan by Russia in the last days of World War II greeted with cautious optimism Friday's announcement that efforts would be made to simplify visits to their ancestor's gravesites. They also offered specific suggestions on what such efforts...
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Dec 16, 2016

Putin exits onsen drama holding all the cards

The summit talks between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin did not end in hikiwake, or a draw, as Putin once phrased it.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 16, 2016

Abe-Putin summit ends with economic deals but no isle steps

Visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed Friday to start talks on potential "joint economic activities" they could launch on the four disputed Russia-held islands off Hokkaido, saying it could be an important first step toward resolving their decades-long territorial...
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / JAPANESE KITCHEN
Dec 16, 2016

Sukiyaki, Japan's other New Year's meal

Late last December I went to a Tokyo branch of my favorite butcher shop, Ningyocho Imahan, to buy some meat to make a roast beef for my family's New Year's meal. When I arrived I was surprised to discover an hourlong wait to order. The crowd outside had lined up to buy Imahan's exceptional (and expensive)...
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / TOKYO FOOD FILE
Dec 16, 2016

Argile: A gourmet sanctuary above the streets of Ginza

Is there any Tokyo neighborhood more focused on dining than Ginza? Its nine compact blocks house the greatest concentration of high-end restaurants in the country — quite possibly the whole world. But when it comes to quality cuisine at somewhat more affordable prices, the area has less to offer. All...
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 15, 2016

Abe, Putin focus on peace treaty issues in first round of two-day talks in Yamaguchi

Despite ongoing pressure on Russia over its annexation of Crimea in 2014, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday welcomed President Vladimir Putin — the first visit by a Russian leader in around 11 years — as he sought to make a breakthrough in a postwar territorial row that has left the countries...
EDITORIALS
Dec 15, 2016

Air base noise pollution problem

A Supreme Court decision is likely to set precedents against lower courts granting compensation for problems caused by the operation of military aircraft.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Dec 15, 2016

Japan places a big bet on Asia's casino bubble

The odds are stacked heavily in favor of the LDP-dominated Diet legalizing casinos but Tokyo may be too late to the party.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Dec 15, 2016

'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' takes some cues from a galaxy not so far away

By the time you read this, the hype will have already begun. Dec. 16 marks the day "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" starts showing in cinemas around the world. Promotional campaigns began in Japan weeks ago.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 15, 2016

Proceeds from The Japan Times Readers' Fund go to four worthy causes

Every yen counts.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Dec 14, 2016

Fujitsu QB Cameron gains redemption with Japan X Bowl triumph

Despite being in the X League championship game for a fourth straight season, the Fujitsu Frontiers and ace quarterback Colby Cameron entered this year's contest with a chip on their shoulders.
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 14, 2016

A new Russia policy needs Exxon CEO's skills

The moral satisfaction of not encouraging a dictator may be important, but the Obama administration's policy ended up enabling Putin's most reprehensible gambles and consolidated Putin's domestic support.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics / ANALYSIS
Dec 14, 2016

After fall of Aleppo, Syria's Assad still far from regaining his country

When President Bashar Assad turns from the wreckage of Aleppo to assert his authority across a fractured Syria, it will be as a figure who is virtually unassailable by rebels, but still faces great challenges in restoring the power of his state.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Dec 13, 2016

When Rene Redzepi brought Noma to Japan

In April 2014, chef Rene Redzepi was riding the crest of a wave. Noma, his iconic Copenhagen restaurant, had just been voted back to No. 1 on the World 50 Best list, cementing its place as one of the top global dining destinations. And then, at the awards ceremony, he dropped a bombshell announcement....
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Dec 13, 2016

Young artists to keep your eye on

In Kurt Vonnegut's 1982 novel "Deadeye Dick," a Japanese man walks into an all-night drugstore and gestures for the protagonist, Rudy Waltz, to follow him outdoors. There they gaze at the decapitated cupola of Rudy's childhood home, glistening white in the moonlight. It reminds the homesick man of Mount...
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Dec 12, 2016

Talking to Trump's team: China's high-flying U.S. expert

China's top diplomat, who recently met a senior adviser to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, is a high-flying former Chinese ambassador to Washington with a deep understanding of U.S. politics, a country he has clashed with, too.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Dec 10, 2016

Last splash: How long will the immodest Japanese tradition of mixed bathing continue?

The main reason that mixed baths have endured for so long is that communities have still supported them. When an onsen stops being a gathering place for locals, there's less to stop it slipping into disrepute.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / MEDIA MIX
Dec 10, 2016

Could easier adoptions stem child abuse in Japan?

The national news has recently reported a number of stories about young children dying at the hands of their parents or guardians, either from neglect or direct physical violence. It's hard to say if these tragedies constitute a trend since detailed child abuse statistics weren't really available until...
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle / CHILD'S PLAY
Dec 10, 2016

DIY — a power tool for distracting kids

My 4-year-old daughter's eyes light up when she spies something sitting on the work table. Unlike her normal playtime preferences, it is not a rainbow-haired unicorn, felt tip pens or a plastic doll that has caught her attention — it's an industrial looking electric screwdriver.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / KANPAI CULTURE
Dec 9, 2016

Tokyo's progressive French restaurants are developing a taste for sake

The first time I drank sake at a non-Japanese restaurant was nearly seven years ago at Coi, a Michelin-starred establishment in San Francisco that serves modern Californian cuisine. I had opted for the beverage-pairing course, and the drink came with a dish of tofu mousseline in a thickened mushroom...
COMMENTARY / Japan
Dec 9, 2016

Pressure U.S. on free trade

The biggest loser in the U.S. presidential election was free trade.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel / HOTELS & RESTAURANTS
Dec 8, 2016

Celebrate Christmas in style

This winter, the Hyatt Regency is offering the "Luxury Christmas Spa Pair Package" through Dec. 25.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 8, 2016

Soseki android unveiled to rekindle interest in late author

"Hello. Excuse me for remaining seated. It's been nearly 100 years, hasn't it?"
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 8, 2016

U.S. would be wise to end sanctions on Cuba

U.S. sanctions have done nothing to liberate the people of Cuba.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Dec 7, 2016

Trip to Tokyo? Ex-Goldman trader sells secret, top dining access

Are you a business traveler who wants to jump to the front of the waiting list for Tokyo's most exclusive restaurants? Check out this former Goldman Sachs Group Inc. trader's new venture.
WORLD
Dec 7, 2016

U.S. lawmaker: Sony breach may have inspired Russian election hacking

The U.S. failure to retaliate strongly for the 2014 cyber attack against Sony Pictures may have helped inspire Russian hackers who sought to interfere in the 2016 U.S. election, a senior congressional Democrat said on Tuesday.

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