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LIFE / Language
Aug 29, 2016

The Emperor's speech: lucid but appropriately indirect

Emperor Akihito's choice of words and presentation speak volumes about how the relationship between the Imperial family and the people of Japan has evolved since his father's address to the nation in 1945.
LIFE / Language / MORNING ENGLISH
Aug 29, 2016

Let's discuss the men's 4x100 relay at Rio

Japan came close to sabotaging Usain Bolt's bid for Olympic immortality but settled for a first-ever silver medal in the men's 4u00d7100-meter relay at the Rio Games.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 26, 2016

Hawkish ex-foreign minister Maehara enters DP leadership race with dig at rival Renho

Seiji Maehara officially jumps into the race that will determine who will be the next leader of the Democratic Party, the nation's biggest opposition party.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 25, 2016

Kim calls launch of SLBM that reached Japan's ADIZ 'greatest success'

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised a test-fire of a submarine-launched ballistic missile and declared it "the greatest success" that put the country in the "front rank" of nuclear military powers, official media reported on Thursday.
LIFE / Language / MORNING ENGLISH
Aug 22, 2016

Let's discuss Mountain Day

Nearly a third of people have never heard of Mountain Day, the newest official public holiday. a survey shows.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Aug 21, 2016

Brazil beats Germany on penalties to win first-ever Olympic soccer gold

Host nation Brazil — the most successful country in soccer history — finally claimed its first-ever Olympic gold medal in the sport after beating Germany 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Saturday's men's final at the Rio Games.
JAPAN
Aug 21, 2016

Koike, Tokyo 2020 chiefs promise not to leave 'white elephants'

New Tokyo governor, 2020 Olympic organizers vow not to saddle taxpayers with venues that cannot be reused following games.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Aug 20, 2016

Does ‘Provoke’ still push back today?

The year 1968 saw a wide range of actions directed against the Japanese government: Universities were occupied, protesters demonstrated en masse against Japan's complicity in the Vietnam War and students mobilized to stop the transportation of Vietnam-bound jet fuel through Shinjuku Station. A quieter,...
LIFE / Language / MORNING ENGLISH
Aug 15, 2016

Let's discuss new fares for taxis

Cab firms have started experimenting with a lower minimum fare of ¥410 to assess demand for short trips among tourists and the elderly.
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 15, 2016

Brazil's partisans go for the Olympic gold

Brazil's fueding parties lost no time in trying to politicize a judoka's gold medal performance.
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 15, 2016

Forgoing visit, Abe sends ritual offering to Yasukuni Shrine on war anniversary

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe avoids visiting the war-linked Yasukuni Shrine and instead dispatches a proxy.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle / CHILD'S PLAY
Aug 13, 2016

'Peanuts' can be a treat for adults, too

There is one precise moment when I question the wisdom of taking my two young daughters to visit the Snoopy Museum in Tokyo's Roppongi district.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Aug 10, 2016

These women ain't afraid of the 'Ghost-bros'

Excuse the time-honored phrase, but the new "Ghostbusters" is a whole new ball game. The hype surrounding its U.S. release last month was considerable, and not just because it's a long-overdue followup of a beloved 1984 Hollywood classic: It has also dared to do what few have done before, which is to...
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Aug 8, 2016

安: a peaceful character for these turbulent times

One kanji character that learners encounter at a fairly early stage is u5b89, pronounced 'an' or 'yasuraka' and meaning 'peaceful' and, by extension, 'safe.'
LIFE / Language / MORNING ENGLISH
Aug 8, 2016

Let's discuss the Emperor's possible abdication

Emperor Akihito does not necessarily intend to relinquish the throne early but has indicated he is prepared to abdicate if he becomes unable to fulfill his duties.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / LAW OF THE LAND
Aug 7, 2016

Japan's Minor Offenses Act has major untapped potential

Law has the teeth to tackle everything from peeing and posters to more serious matters.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Entertainment news
Aug 5, 2016

Clint Eastwood makes Trump's day, notes Donald diverges from 'kiss-ass generation'

Clint Eastwood, the 86-year-old four-time Oscar winner, excoriated the current generation of Americans as weak and overly sensitive while backing Donald Trump even though the Republican presidential hopeful has "said a lot of dumb things."
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Aug 2, 2016

Chinese Navy holds live-fire drills in East China Sea

The Chinese Navy held live-fire drills in the East China Sea on Monday, the Defense Ministry said in a short statement posted to its website.
LIFE / Language / MORNING ENGLISH
Aug 1, 2016

Talking about Harajuku Station's new look

Harajuku Station is getting a makeover, let's describe how we think it should go.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel / BACKSTREET STORIES
Jul 30, 2016

Inky points of interest in Tabata

Under glowering clouds, I decide to explore the area around Tabata Station in Tokyo. Though recently renovated, the station is one of Tokyo's oldest depots, dating from 1896. The station offers nifty spots for watching shinkansen trains bullet by, but I take the north exit to find the Tabata Bunshi Mura...
ASIA PACIFIC
Jul 26, 2016

Kerry says U.S. backs resumption of China-Philippines talks on South China Sea

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Tuesday he supported the resumption of bilateral talks between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea, following a ruling against Beijing over the dispute earlier this month.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jul 26, 2016

Trump says he would consider alliance with Russia to 'knock the hell out of' Islamic State

Republican nominee Donald Trump said Monday that if elected U.S. president he will weigh an alliance with Russia against Islamic State militants but rejected any suggestion Russian President Vladimir Putin might be trying to help him win.

Longform

Mount Fuji is considered one of Japan's most iconic symbols and is a major draw for tourists. It's still a mountain, though, and potential hikers need to properly prepare for any climb.
What it takes to save lives on Mount Fuji