Search - japanese-language-tests

 
 
JAPAN / Media / MEDIA MIX
Apr 22, 2012

TV 'wide shows' question decision to restart Oi reactor

When it comes to public relations, the Japanese government tends toward imprecision. Many say the Japanese language is already built for vagueness, but that doesn't mean Japanese people can't see through the haze.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / JAPAN LITE
Oct 8, 2011

He waits and measures

My husband went to the local hardware store the other day. What's so exciting about that? You've obviously never been to a hardware store in Japan.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / WHEN EAST MARRIES WEST
Dec 26, 2009

The industry of the under-motivated

"How do you do?" The man greets her in Japanese and bows in his doorway. He wears the same teasing grin and the same rumpled shirt as always. Even the cookie crumbs on his collar seem the same.
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Oct 18, 2002

Insuring your health; ensuring your privacy

Health concerns Health continues to be a regular source of your questions. The issue was really brought home to me the other day when, following a 10-hour flight, with no sleep, I got up to give a speech and couldn't speak nor remember what I was supposed to stay.
JAPAN
Jun 25, 2001

Essays land students trip to U.N.

For children aspiring to become future diplomats, it may be the gateway to success.
JAPAN
Mar 28, 1997

Easier entry for foreign students adopted by ministry

An Education Ministry panel on Mar. 28 adopted a report that calls for improving the complicated approval system for foreign students who wish to study in Japan, officials said.
Japan Times
EDITORIALS
Mar 3, 2023

Japan tourism woes an opportunity for needed change

While the tourism industry modernizes, it’s vital that Japan not lose the special touch that has made this country a unique destination.
Japan Times
EDITORIALS
May 20, 2022

Government clarity needed as Japan eyes border reopening for tourism

The government of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida seems ready to explore a more permissive policy to begin a return to normalcy and the economic rewards that come with tourism.
JAPAN / Media / MEDIA MIX
Jan 4, 2020

Japan's bureaucrats take top news honors in 2019

A year ago, the big news story in Japan was former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn languishing in a jail cell while the media discussed whether he should be there, thus sparking an overdue discussion about the country's so-called hostage justice system. It was a nice discussion while it lasted. 
CULTURE / TV & Streaming / CHANNEL SURF
Sep 12, 2004

"Pitanko Kankan" on TBS and more

One reason Iraq has fallen into chaos following the U.S. invasion is that it was never much of a unified state in the first place. In fact, it has only been a country since 1920. On Wednesday at 9:15 p.m., NHK-G helps explain how Iraq came to be through the story of Thomas Edward Lawrence, better known...
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jul 10, 2004

Firms grope for enticing product names

Nissan Motor Co.'s popular March compact becomes the Micra in Europe, while Toyota's Vitz is known as the Echo in the U.S. and the Yaris in Europe.
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 9, 2019

Abe granted brief respite as scandal-hit extraordinary Diet session draws to a close

During the course of the session two ministers resigned, a plan for reforming college English-language tests was withdrawn and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was accused of breaching election campaign laws.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / MORNING ENGLISH
May 7, 2018

Let's discuss relations between Japan and North Korea

Despite what appears to be good news that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is eager to hold a bilateral summit with Japan, the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe remains cautious, saying there are many hurdles to be overcome.
JAPAN
Feb 4, 2016

Ministry tests smartphone app to navigate underground stations

The land ministry on Thursday started testing a smartphone app that provides detailed navigation services in underground areas around Tokyo Station.
EDITORIALS
Aug 30, 2014

Is it twilight for cram schools?

Does the announcement by Japan's third-largest cram school that it'll close 20 of its 27 facilities by March 2015 signal the twilight era for the entrance-exam industry?
Japan Times
LIFE / WEEK 3
Mar 21, 2010

Can doggy bags save the world?

It can be a bit embarrassing at a restaurant to say that you'd like to take your leftovers away with you. That's probably why people the world over often ask for the food to be put in a "doggy bag," whether or not they have a hungry pooch waiting at home. The cute expression also helps them to avoid...
JAPAN
Dec 17, 2003

'Quality' of foreign students seen as key

An education ministry panel called Tuesday for changes to Japan's policy on foreign students, seeking a greater emphasis on quality rather than quantity.
JAPAN
Nov 24, 2003

Japan, China to conduct tests on broadband mobile phones

Japan and China are planning a joint experiment on a new generation of Internet-capable mobile phones for high-speed data transmissions between the two countries, telecommunications officials said Sunday.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / JAPAN LITE
May 25, 2013

English education and English sheepdogs

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe aims to globalize Japan's workforce and says that Japan must become more competitive in the English language. This has touched off a debate among native English teachers, Japanese who teach English, Japanese speakers who don't speak English, and English sheepdogs owned by both...
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / LEARNING CURVE
Mar 30, 2014

Osaka embraces English Reformation

While Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto's controversial political antics have increasingly drawn criticism, little attention has been paid to how his leadership has prompted the most progressive reforms of English-language education in the nation.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 19, 2017

Japan's health care system edges foreign care in expat survey

Just over half of non-Japanese residents feel Japan's health care system is generally better than that in their home countries, a trend particularly pronounced among U.S. citizens, with 3 out of 4 rating it more highly, an informal Japan Times survey has found.
JAPAN
Apr 25, 2014

TOEIC, TOEFL axed as route to U.K. visa

Two of the most popular English-language proficiency tests in Japan can no longer be used to obtain student visas to Britain due to fraud in the test-taking process.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 11, 2017

Education ministry panel approves private-sector English testing for university entrance

In a move sure to shake up the nation's English examination system for college enrollment, an education ministry panel has approved a plan featuring a complete shift to proficiency testing by private firms.

Longform

Japan's growing ranks of centenarians are redefining what it means to live in a super-aging society.
What comes after 100?