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JAPAN / Society
Jun 19, 2019

Liberal Democratic Party and tradition may stymie push for same-sex marriage in Japan

As Japanese lawmakers grapple with a landmark same-sex marriage bill, campaigners fear it may die at the first legislative hurdle as lawmakers pander to aging voters and old traditions.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN?
Jun 15, 2019

Koichi Takada: The natural shift into biometric architecture

Koichi Takada grew up a stone's throw from the scenic banks of Japan's Tama River, learning to appreciate the beauty of nature, something that now resonates in the work of his architectural company in Australia.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Jun 8, 2019

In Seoul, authentic Japanese food inspires everyday happiness

The rise in South Korean solo dining culture and a desire to seek out authentic experiences is driving up the popularity of Japanese food.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 8, 2019

Innovative planning, foreign startups tie into urban life

Compact and efficient, the energetic city of Fukuoka is an ideal venue to host this weekend's two-day G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, with the vibrant metropolis slated to also welcome major events such as some 2019 Rugby World Cup matches, as well as the 2021 World Aquatics...
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Voices / FOREIGN AGENDA
Jun 5, 2019

From enlightened strolls to 10,000-step goals: How Japan learned to walk the walk

Whatever intriguing cultural differences we may have as human beings, it would appear that there are certain fundamentals that remain the same wherever you go — eating, sleeping and walking, for example.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / THE FOREIGN ELEMENT
Jun 2, 2019

Coming to Japan to escape alcohol is risky, but help is available

When Casey 'dropped dead' on his kitchen floor, he realized he hit rock bottom. Luckily, he got the support he needed to get his drinking problem under control.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
May 31, 2019

Moves are afoot to push media to switch Japanese name order in English, but will it work?

Some laugh it off as a First World problem. But others say the topic touches upon issues of identity, sovereignty and press freedom.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos
May 26, 2019

Getting negative feedback from your boss isn't all bad

After I had spent over a year working at a Japanese bank in Tokyo, I felt like something was wrong but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I knew I was doing a good job, and my work was going smoothly, but something was missing. Then, one day on his way out of the office for the day, the general manager...
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
May 18, 2019

Imagination Pika Space: Building a new world of art, music and soul food

A desire to promote self-expression and creative endeavors inspired Haruki Kumagai to open the Imagination Pika Space performance venue and bar in Osaka's Shinsekai neighborhood.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Regional voices: Chubu
May 13, 2019

South Korean students flock to Japan as birthrate sinks and unemployment climbs

More and more highly educated young people from South Korea, which like Japan has a rapidly graying population and needs more foreign labor for its economy, are coming to Japan because it's difficult to find work at home.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
May 12, 2019

Swinging swords and drumsticks: Personal fitness draws on tradition

Shindo and taikobics give personal fitness regimes a Japanese twist with kendo moves and taiko drumming.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 29, 2019

Japan's peaceful Heisei Era leaves legacy of change, growth and tragedy

Emperor Akihito's abdication Tuesday will end the three-decade Heisei Era that began on Jan. 8, 1989, a day after he inherited the throne upon the death of his father, Emperor Showa.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Apr 15, 2019

As Heisei ends, Japan is getting a lot of things right

The country, once a symbol of economic malaise, has made up for its lost decade.
Japan Times
LIFE
Apr 15, 2019

Defining the Heisei Era

Over the past year, as we counted down to the end of the Heisei Era, The Japan Times presented a monthly 12-part series that looked back at the leading issues of the past three decades
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Apr 13, 2019

Chef Rachel Dow's fresh take on 'new American' fare at Tableaux

Tableaux, a Daikanyama restaurant of over two decades, is revitalizing itself with American chef Rachel Dow and her refined take on 'new American' cuisine.
JAPAN / Politics
Apr 2, 2019

What's in a name? Reiwa reflects today's politics, Japan's cultural history and a social philosophy

Media hype over Reiwa, the newly announced name for the upcoming era, continued unabated Tuesday. At the same time, a majority of people appeared to happily welcome the name, which means "auspicious" (rei) and "peace" or "harmony" (wa).
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos
Mar 27, 2019

How to work with a micromanaging Japanese boss

Putting together the slide deck for the presentation had become a never-ending ordeal for Dave. Every time he turned a draft in to his Japanese boss, it would come back with yet another set of things to correct.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN?
Mar 23, 2019

Fumi Nagasaka: When Japan is neither in nor out of the picture

For Fumi Nagasaka, photography was born from making friends.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Voices / FOREIGN AGENDA
Mar 15, 2019

Your 'Japanese experience' doesn't have to be 'Japanese only'

After living in Japan for a while you start to notice certain personality types popping up in the international community, particularly among English teachers.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art / Heisei Icons,Heisei Icons
Mar 13, 2019

Takashi Murakami: The face of Japanese contemporary art abroad, underappreciated at home

In Tokyo alone, Murakami's commercial work can be seen in the official mascots for the Roppongi Hills complex and Tokyo MX TV station.
Japan Times
Uncategorized / G20 host cities special
Mar 5, 2019

Journey to the 'heart of Japan'

Situated between Tokyo and Osaka, Aichi Prefecture has been a bustling hub for traffic and trade throughout Japanese history, and the region is often referred to as "the heart of Japan" because of its rich culture and flourishing industries.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Mar 4, 2019

Wanted: Startup nation Japan

Fostering greater entrepreneurship is the best way for Japan to achieve sustained economic growth.
JAPAN / Media / MEDIA MIX
Mar 2, 2019

NHK's restructuring plan sparks concern over influence

In a recent post for the progressive website Common Dreams, consumer advocate and one-time presidential candidate Ralph Nader bemoaned public broadcasting in the United States. Created by the government "to provide serious programming without any advertisements," the Public Broadcasting Service and National...
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Mar 1, 2019

Fukui’s Obama: Overshadowed by a president

Although the presidential-themed euphoria surrounding the city of Obama has faded, the area's very tangible cultural legacies make it well worth a visit for the foodie and the history buff alike.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Feb 27, 2019

Yusuke Ogawa: The man in Japan giving jazz fans their rare record fix

'There are just so many records in Japan," says Yusuke Ogawa, owner of Universounds, a used record shop selling jazz, soul and funk in the Western suburbs of central Tokyo. Now, with the rise of internet sales as well as the increasingly interconnected music world, buyers worldwide are catching on to...
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / The Big Questions
Feb 25, 2019

Ambassador sets course to spread cultural knowledge

Iranian Ambassador Morteza Rahmani Movahed was appointed to his newest position in July, but although he's lived in Japan for over six months, his schedule hasn't given him a lot of time for sightseeing.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / The Big Questions
Feb 17, 2019

A commitment to learning and growing with Japan

With the Rugby World Cup coming this autumn and the All Blacks being the reigning world champions, New Zealand is currently enjoying a particularly high profile in Japan.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Feb 6, 2019

Amateur coaches feted at annual gala

The Japan Coaches Association rewarded amateur coaches who accomplished remarkable feats in 2018 during the sixth annual Japan Coaches' Awards ceremony on Sunday in Tokyo.

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