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Reader Mail
May 7, 2014

It's a restless jungle of critics

People seem to have become more intolerant and impatient than ever before. For example, when a Japanese scientist who had announced discovering a groundbreaking new technology related to stem cells was suspected of having manipulated and faked some data, the once lionized young woman was treated as if...
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
May 7, 2014

Republicans dredge up Benghazi controversy in bid for election-year ammo

Benghazi is back.
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
May 5, 2014

Silk mill took Japan to global level

The historic Tomioka Silk Mill in Gunma Prefecture and its related facilities are expected to become UNESCO World Heritage sites next month.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
May 5, 2014

'Ordinary' billionaire behind canal project

Wang Jing, the enigmatic businessman behind Nicaragua's $50 billion Interoceanic Grand Canal, shrugs off skepticism about how a little-known entrepreneur can be driving a huge transcontinental project, insisting he is not an agent of the Beijing government.
WORLD / Crime & Legal
May 5, 2014

China military leaker gets 10 years

China has handed a 10-year prison term to an individual who leaked secret military documents and photographs to a foreign spy, state media reported on Monday, without naming the country involved.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / THE FOREIGN ELEMENT
May 5, 2014

English morris dancing hits Japan, with all the bells and whistles

The English form of folk dancing known as morris dates back to the Middle Ages and involves costumed groups of dancers stepping in time to music. Barely seen in Japan before, this traditional art can now be experienced in the most unexpected of locations: Shikoku.
EDITORIALS
May 5, 2014

Virus spells trouble for pig farmers

Porcine epidemic diarrhea — a virulent disease that infects piglets — is rapidly spreading in Japan and could bankrupt some farmers already hit hard by the sudden rise in feed prices.
COMMENTARY / World / SENTAKU MAGAZINE
May 4, 2014

Don't count on bubbles, wage hikes for more Asian growth

Japanese companies should realize the potential danger in relying on the continued expansion of Asian consumer spending, as it appears the region is headed for a period of economic stagnation.
Japan Times
LIFE / ADOPT ME!
May 4, 2014

A dog named Oboro: Tell me about it

When life weighs heavy and you're tired of two-way talk, there is nothing better to come home to than someone you can throw your arms around, snuggle up against and talk your heart out to. This golden retriever is perfect for just that.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
May 3, 2014

Japan's solitary ode to ink

Exhibits on display at the Yokohama Tattoo Museum suggest the goverment's view of body ink is out of touch with reality
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
May 3, 2014

Ako: trailing the ghosts of Japan's greatest vendetta

By noon of March 14, 1701, Edo was abuzz with rumors about what had happened earlier, in the "Great Pine Corridor" of the shogun's castle. Officials posted wooden signs around the city stating that Asano Naganori, lord of Ako Domain, had attacked and wounded his former tutor, Kira Yoshihisa.
JAPAN
May 2, 2014

Viewers target NHK chief Momii

A citizens' group launches a campaign against right-leaning NHK Chairman Katsuto Momii, demanding his immediate resignation and calling on viewers to stop paying their NHK subscription fees.
Events / KANSAI: WHO & WHAT
May 2, 2014

Kyoto shrine opens ceiling art for viewing

The Hiraoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kyoto allows its 44 colorful drawings of flowers on the ceiling of the building to be viewed by the public twice a year. This year, the spring exhibition will run until May 18. Admission is ¥800.
EDITORIALS
May 2, 2014

Protecting the peace Constitution

As a majority of polled Japanese oppose Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's efforts to overturn the government's traditional interpretation of a constitutional principle that has enabled Japan to enjoy nearly 70 years of peace and prosperity, he should focus on improving ties with Japan's closest neighbors.
LIFE / Digital
May 2, 2014

The robots are taking over, and it won't be pretty

Not often do you hear a "Newsnight" presenter using an arcane mathematical term, but last week was an exception. The culprit was David Grossman, who made an excellent film for "Newsnight" about the threat to employment from advanced robotics. In the course of this, he made the standard pilgrimage to...
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
May 2, 2014

Malaysia releases missing plane report, reveals confusion

Malaysia on Thursday released its most comprehensive account yet of what happened to missing Flight MH370, in a preliminary report that detailed the route the plane probably took as it veered off course and revealed the confusion that followed.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 1, 2014

A-bomb survivors tell stories

Documentary filmmaker Shizu Azuma wants to send a message through her latest film, "Utsukushii Hito": Just as we should never forget those who lost their lives in the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we should not forget those who survived, either.
BUSINESS
May 1, 2014

FSA approves Tokyo Star Bank sale

The Financial Services Agency this week gave preliminary approval for Taiwanese lender CTBC Financial Holding Co.'s purchase of Tokyo Star Bank Ltd., two people with direct knowledge of the matter said.
COMMENTARY / World
May 1, 2014

Heavy metal contaminants stalk China's farms

China released a report in April disclosing that much of its arable land is contaminated with heavy metals that are entering the food chain. It doesn't bode well for consumers and suggests that China increasingly will have to import food.
Events / Events Outside Tokyo
May 1, 2014

Hula into the long weekend

Hawaiian culture experienced a bit of a boost recently as the denizens of Tokyo's trendy Harajuku neighborhood began snacking on the U.S. island's foods.
Events / Events In Tokyo
May 1, 2014

Meat lovers get ready for a delicious festival

Looking for a tasty way to beef up your protein needs? Try the Food Nations Meat Fes, which will be held in Tokyo's Komazawa Olympic Park from May 2 to May 6.
Events / Events In Tokyo
May 1, 2014

Swap carps for pinatas on Children's Day

Children's Day in Japan is known for its koinobori (carp streamer) decorations, but perhaps this year you'd like to celebrate with a pinata instead.
Japan Times
WORLD
May 1, 2014

Floods batter U.S. Southeast reeling from deadly tornados

The worst floods in decades deluged roads and engulfed homes and cars in the Florida Panhandle and coastal Alabama on Wednesday, the latest mayhem created by a tornado-packing storm system that has killed at least 34 people this week.
JAPAN / Politics
Apr 30, 2014

Ukraine crisis has Japan on horns of a dilemma

As the crisis in Ukraine drags on, Japan faces the difficult task of striking a balance between standing by the U.S. and maintaining good relations with Russia.

Longform

Sumadori Bar on Shibuya Ward's main Center Gai street targets young customers who prefer low-alcohol drinks or abstain altogether.
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