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Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 26, 2014

The spawning of Islamic State

It took just two years for Syria to descend into a Somalia-style failed state under the weight of the international jihad against Bashar Assad. This helped the Islamic State not only to flourish but also to use its control over northeastern Syria to stage a surprise blitzkrieg deep into Iraq this summer.
CULTURE / Music
Aug 26, 2014

Jazz artist Emi Meyer teams up with guitarist Seiichi Nagai for a warm, poppy album

Jazz artist Emi Meyer had plenty to be happy about in 2008. She had just self-released her debut album "Curious Creature," she was performing shows around Kyoto and major labels in Tokyo were attempting to woo her. The half-American, half-Japanese Meyer, though, says the situation wasn't so sunny.
BUSINESS / Markets
Aug 26, 2014

Younger Japanese staying away from stocks despite NISA tax lure

History is working against the Abe administration as it seeks to convince a new generation of investors that equities are the best bet for funding retirement.
WORLD
Aug 26, 2014

Happiness study draws frowns from critics

A high-profile 2013 study that concluded that different kinds of happiness are associated with dramatically different patterns of gene activity is fatally flawed, according to an analysis published on Monday that tore into its target with language rarely seen in science journals.
Japan Times
WORLD / Science & Health
Aug 26, 2014

Ebola fight needs $430 million to end outbreak: WHO

More than $430 million will be needed to bring the worst Ebola outbreak on record under control, according to a draft document laying out the World Health Organization's battle strategy.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Voices / FOREIGN AGENDA
Aug 25, 2014

Use them or lose them: There's more at stake than language in reviving Ryukyuan tongues

With the last speakers of the Ryukyuan languages dying out, an identity is vanishing too.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Aug 25, 2014

Tourism emerges as new economic driver for Japan

With its contribution now rivaling that of the auto industry in at least one estimate, tourism is fast becoming a key focus of Japan's economic policy.
WORLD / Crime & Legal
Aug 25, 2014

Five arrested in Macau over unofficial democracy poll

Police in Macau detained five people involved in staging an unofficial referendum on democracy in the southern Chinese territory, organizers said, nearly two months after activists angered Beijing by conducting a similar poll in Hong Kong.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / ADOPT ME!
Aug 24, 2014

I want you: A dog named Abbey

Though Abbey can be rather intimidating due to her low, husky voice and size, people with a bit of experience with big dogs will soon see that she's really just a big softie.
ASIA PACIFIC / Crime & Legal
Aug 23, 2014

Philippine police smash online child 'sextortion' ring

Philippine police have arrested eight people suspected of running an online sexual extortion racket involving children and preying on Asians, seizing laptops and other equipment.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Aug 22, 2014

Comiket grows stronger each year

Held twice a year and famous among otaku (fanboys and fangirls) the world over, Comiket, short for Comic Market, held its 86th event Aug. 15-17 at Tokyo Big Sight in Odaiba. With more than 550,000 people reportedly attending the event over the three days, Comiket has grown significantly since its early...
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 22, 2014

Was U.S. ransom policy a factor in Foley's death?

Hostage-taking by extremist groups is now so pervasive that at least one major aid organization has stopped sending U.S. workers to areas where they might be abducted. Instead, they are sending citizens from European countries — with governments that will pay ransoms.
Japan Times
WORLD
Aug 21, 2014

Doctor treated with experimental Ebola drug to be discharged Thursday

An American doctor who contracted Ebola while treating victims of the deadly virus in Liberia has recovered and will be discharged Thursday by the Atlanta hospital that treated him with an experimental drug, his charity said.
ASIA PACIFIC
Aug 21, 2014

Malaysian militants inspired by the Islamic State plotted bomb attack on Carlsberg brewery

Suspected Malaysian militants loyal to the extremist Islamic State movement bought bomb-making material ahead of a proposed attack on a Carlsberg brewery near the capital, Kuala Lumpur, a top anti-terrorism official said.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Aug 21, 2014

Sukiyaki Meets the World ... and the world gets to meet Toyama

In June of 1963, Kyu Sakamoto's "Ue wo Muite Aruko" — better known as "Sukiyaki" overseas — became Japan's first, and only, No. 1 hit single in the United States.
Japan Times
Events / Events Outside Tokyo
Aug 21, 2014

Ogaki Mini Maker Faire, a great place to make stuff up

Who says you have to be a professional to be an inventor? The Ogaki Mini Maker Faire 2014 this weekend in Gifu Prefecture brings together all manner of people to share their unique ideas — from craftsmen, artists and developers to absolutely anyone who likes electronics and gadgets.
Events / Events In Tokyo
Aug 21, 2014

Celebrate summer at one of Tokyo's most popular traditional festivals

Of the many local summer festivals in japan, the Azabu Juban Noryo, which takes place in the heart of Tokyo from Aug. 23-24, is one of the most popular in the city, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. With a history of more than 40 years, it takes place in Roppongi's Azabu Juban...
Japan Times
Events / Events In Tokyo
Aug 21, 2014

Shinjuku becomes a hub of student art

If you're interested in new art, but don't have the time to visit dozens of small galleries, the Shinjuku Creators Festa 2014 is a good opportunity to discover up-and-coming artists, without traveling all over the metropolis. For 17 days from Aug. 22 through Sept. 7, the city of Shinjuku is showcasing...
Japan Times
Events / Events In Tokyo
Aug 21, 2014

Go dancing in the streets of Roppongi

Home to numerous shopping areas, nightclubs and bars, Roppongi is probably not the first place you would think off when you want to experience some traditional Japanese culture. But despite its reputation, the district has a traditional side and its own Obon holiday event.
BUSINESS
Aug 21, 2014

U.S. job market gains yet to convince Fed to hike rates

The Federal Reserve has been surprised by how quickly the U.S. labor market is healing but doesn't want to bring forward a planned rate hike until the recovery looks more convincing, according to minutes of its last policy meeting.
JAPAN
Aug 20, 2014

U.S. ice bucket challenge picked up by Japan's movers and shakers

A U.S.-based social media challenge daring people to douse themselves with buckets of ice water spreads to Japan, with celebrities from billionaire Masayoshi Son to singer Ayumi Hamasaki taking up the gauntlet to boost awareness of what is known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Longform

Dangami House is a 180-year-old former samurai residence of the Kato clan, who ruled over Ozu, Ehime Prefecture, until the Meiji Restoration.
A house, a legacy and the quiet work of restoration in rural Japan