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Japan Times
ESG CONSORTIUM
Dec 20, 2020

Oji turns wood into alternative materials of glass and plastics

Oji Holdings, with a history of more than 140 years since its establishment, has always been a leader in Japan’s pulp and paper industry. Its efforts have expanded to nurturing forests both in Japan and abroad to secure the materials for its products while preserving the environment.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 20, 2020

Did Trump’s impeachment matter in the end?

It's easy to conclude that, without the pandemic, Trump would have won. And if that's correct, it would seem that the impeachment would not have made any difference.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / DESSERT WATCH
Dec 19, 2020

Take 2021 by the horns with sweets fit for the Year of the Ox

More than over the Year of the Rat? Moo-ve into 2021 with these cow-themed cupcakes from Fairycake Fair.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Dec 19, 2020

Mysterious North Korea site may be building nuclear components, report says

A mysterious North Korean facility may be producing components for building nuclear bombs, a new report suggests, offering clues to understanding the site near the capital that has perplexed experts and policymakers.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Regional voices: Chubu
Dec 18, 2020

Musical improvisation: Karaoke venues find new uses for their multimedia spaces

Firms have seen sales fall by as much as 40% amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but have also been able to tap into new demand.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Regional Voices: Hokkaido
Dec 18, 2020

Hokkaido fishing villages face tough decision over nuclear disposal sites

While a traditional industry is slowly dying out, some see a nuclear site as bringing valuable income, while others feel very differently.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Dec 17, 2020

How putting on a mask raised Naomi Osaka’s voice

In 2020, Osaka found her voice and the self-possession to speak up when and how she saw fit, a massive leap for the global superstar.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Dec 12, 2020

Online meeting moments of 2020: What could go wrong?

Unmistakable background sounds, visible sweatpants, sudden bowel movements u2026 Japan's workers experienced it all.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Regional Voices: Tohoku
Dec 11, 2020

Far north of Fukushima, a village that bet big on nuclear feels the fallout

Higashidori has been facing an economic crisis due to the uncertain future of nuclear power plants in its vicinity.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society / Regional voices: Chubu
Dec 11, 2020

Murder victim’s mother calls for better family support in Japan

While some help is offered on a prefectural basis, Fumiko Isogai, whose daughter was killed 13 years ago, wants a centralized safety net.
Japan Times
ESG CONSORTIUM
Dec 11, 2020

ESG awards recognize efforts on energy, child labor

To achieve the 17 U.N. sustainable development goals and bring a better future for all, what is needed is action by not just every government but also all organizations and each person. Borderless collaboration will accelerate such efforts.
Japan Times
ESG CONSORTIUM
Dec 11, 2020

ESG awards recognize efforts of Suntory, Fuji Oil

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors are attracting ever more attention from all stakeholders, from investors to consumers, as some of the most important keys for assessing corporate values, especially in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Japan Times
SATOYAMA CONSORTIUM
Dec 11, 2020

Green economic recovery requires sustained effort

With major nations starting to show commitment to a green economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing sustainability will be key to both regional revitalization and fostering businesses run according to environmental, social and corporate governance factors (ESG.)
Japan Times
SATOYAMA CONSORTIUM
Dec 11, 2020

With sea and sake, using business to revitalize regions

Various efforts are being made by stakeholders, both public and private, to revitalize rural areas in Japan. Using the power of business is an effective way to reinvigorate regions, and rejuvenated communities can in return support the sustainability of businesses. Businesses that grow with communities...
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Dec 10, 2020

Captured history: A collection of milestones in early images of Japan

An exhibition of rare photographs gets a second chance to present the evolution of photography in Japan at the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Dec 9, 2020

Australia and Japan edge toward an alliance

On Nov. 17, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison became the first foreign leader to visit Japan since Yoshihide Suga assumed the prime ministership.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 7, 2020

Is Hong Kong heading toward a Russian-style electoral system?

Dictators have realized that the most effective form of governance in the modern era is not an iron fist, but a birdcage with limited freedom.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Dec 6, 2020

Roleplaying takes center stage with these three games

The year closes with a flurry of new games including Cyberpunk 2077, Collection of SaGa Final Fantasy Legend and Densha de Go!! Hashiro Yamanote Sen.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Dec 6, 2020

OnlyFans is a billion-dollar media giant hiding in plain sight

While OnlyFans is closely associated with adult models, more traditional celebrities are turning to the platform.
LIFE / Lifestyle
Dec 5, 2020

Spaces for living: How Tokyo’s urban landscape deals with change

Exploring the city's constant flux — and the cost to its heritage.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / DESSERT WATCH
Dec 5, 2020

Eggslut goes sweet with its Eggy Banana Pudding

The Los Angeles-born chain specializes in — you guessed it — egg dishes. Starting this month, it's giving desserts a go, too.
JAPAN / Regional Voices: Fukushima
Dec 4, 2020

Mission possible? The long road ahead for Fukushima cleanup.

Tepco aims to undertake the crucial removal of fuel debris from Fukushima No. 1 in 2021 ahead of decommissioning the plant.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 30, 2020

Warp speed for clean energy? That won't work.

It might it be easier for the government to subsidize battery research, rather than pre-ordering particular battery units for later distribution? Maybe so, and it would be smart policy.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Nov 30, 2020

Universal Studios Japan to open Nintendo theme park in February

Set to open Feb. 4, the attraction is part of a long-delayed, u00a560 billion effort to introduce Mario and other beloved characters to real-world theme park visitors.
JAPAN / Media / MEDIA MIX
Nov 28, 2020

News outlets clash over tone of COVID-19 coverage

The government's COVID-19 subcommittee held a news conference on Nov. 9 to discuss nationwide increases in infections this winter. The government itself seems hesitant to call this sudden spike the "third wave," a term that has become normalized in the media, but the subcommittee definitely sees it as...
Japan Times
JAPAN / Regional Voices: Kyushu
Nov 27, 2020

Muslim residents in Kyushu struggle to establish cemetery amid local anxiety

In Japan, where the vast majority of people are cremated, only a limited number of cemeteries offer proper burial grounds for the growing Muslim population.
JAPAN / Regional Voices: Okinawa
Nov 27, 2020

Hurdles remain for government plan to rebuild Shuri Castle by 2026

Since the blaze, a large number of problems have surfaced, such as securing the wood to rebuild, ownership of the castle and an insurance shortfall.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Regional Voices: Hokkaido
Nov 27, 2020

Warmer waters bring new types of fish to Hokkaido

Dolphinfish, sunfish and bluefin tuna have all been caught in waters around the north of Japan in recent years.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / THE FOREIGN ELEMENT
Nov 23, 2020

Cheap, spacious, crowd-free: Rural Japan is having a moment with the foreign community

Laura Blackhall took a risk purchasing an empty house in the Ibaraki countryside. Amid and following a pandemic, though, it's a choice that just might pay off.

Longform

A small shrine perched atop rocks braves the waves hitting the shoreline during a storm in Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture. The area is under threat of a possible 31-meter-high tsunami if an earthquake strikes the nearby Nankai Trough.
If the 'Big One' hits, this city could face a 31-meter-high tsunami