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CULTURE / Books
Jan 23, 2011

Why did Japan crash as Asia's lead goose?

ASIA'S FLYING GEESE: How Regionalization Shapes Japan, by Walter Hatch. Cornell University Press, 2010, 304 pp., $24.95 (hardcover) As we slog into the third decade of the Lost Decade, the enigma of Japan is why, given dire developments, change and reform happen so slowly, if at all.
BASEBALL / BASEBALL BULLET-IN
Jan 23, 2011

An inside look at selection for Japan's Hall of Fame

When Hiromitsu Ochiai is inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame this coming summer, it will be a very convenient situation. As manager of the defending Central League champion Chunichi Dragons, Ochiai will also pilot the 2011 CL All-Star team, and the HOF induction ceremony will take place...
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / JAPAN LITE
Jan 22, 2011

How you twist and shout in Japanese

If you like to twist and shout, you'll love the Japanese language. Even if you don't know any Japanese at all, here are some easy expressions that can launch you into premature scream mode with little effort, with just a tad bit of grunting on the side. Charge on, shall we? Shrills: Kawaii!
Japan Times
Events / Events Outside Tokyo
Jan 21, 2011

Taking the tango across the country

A renowned Argentine tango orchestra and dancers from that country and Japan are bringing their passion for the art to audiences across Japan through March.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Jan 21, 2011

The Mornings reveal new depths on debut

"I was in a mosh pit at (Tokyo concert venue) Koiwa Bushbash when Shingo landed on top of me and dislocated my shoulder."
Japan Times
CULTURE / Stage
Jan 21, 2011

New National Theatre, Tokyo, hopes 'Yuzuru' will help Japanese opera soar

Imitation may be a form of flattery, but it is also an important first step for creative genesis. The 1952 premiere of "Yuzuru" by Ikuma Dan — half imitation of Western operatic traditions and half Japanese creative innovation — marked a milestone in the development of opera in Japan.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Jan 21, 2011

Okamoto's plot new album release before summer

After being courted by record labels while still in high school in Tokyo, inking a deal with Sony subsidiary Ariola Japan was an easy decision for Okamoto's.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music / IN THE RECORD
Jan 21, 2011

Groove Patrol

Creator of the Audio Tokyo Electronic Music Festival and director of Eggworm, Groove Patrol (aka Nick Clarke), gives The Japan Times a peek into his record bag.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Jan 21, 2011

'The Green Hornet'

They say that one definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. That pretty much sums up me and superhero movies; I keep going to see the damn things, attracted by the latest tantalizing hook, only to wind up feeling like Dr. Doom has trapped me in some...
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Jan 21, 2011

'Aki Sasamoto: Strange Attractors'

Take Ninagawa
Japan Times
Events / Events Outside Tokyo
Jan 21, 2011

Takashimaya branch to celebrate girls day with doll display

The hina matsuri (doll festival) on March 3 is still a while off. However, displays commemorating Japan's young daughters will end promptly on that day, because, according to tradition, if they stay up — those daughters might lose their chance at marriage.
BUSINESS
Jan 21, 2011

Nintendo chief sees 'rocket start'

Nintendo Co.'s president predicted a "rocket start" to U.S. sales of the 3DS hand-held game machine, boosted by the device's high-definition graphics and titles showcasing its features.
JAPAN
Jan 20, 2011

Key ministers meet to weigh tax hike

Key Cabinet ministers agreed Wednesday to map out comprehensive proposals on social welfare and tax reforms, with an eye to hiking the sales levy, by June as they met for the first time to explore ways to cope with the problems of a rapidly aging society and mounting government debt.
EDITORIALS
Jan 19, 2011

Tumult in Tunisia

Popular unrest has forced Tunisian President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali to leave the country. The uprising marks the first time that an Arab leader has been forced from office by the people. Other regional leaders — and their long-suffering publics — are now asking whether a Jasmine Revolution is in...
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital
Jan 19, 2011

'Tokyo Control': Sony launches its first 3-D drama into the air

If 2010 was supposed to be 3-D's coming-out party, then in 2011 the party is poised to continue as manufacturers do their best to make this trendy technology truly stick.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET
Jan 18, 2011

Tokyo: What are your tips for making the most out of life in Tokyo as a foreign resident?

Jonathan Gaspar
Japan Times
ENVIRONMENT / WILD WATCH
Jan 16, 2011

A dream comes true with the blues

My last great wildlife adventure of 2010 began in darkness to the sound of waves crashing on an idyllic beach.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design / WEEK 3
Jan 16, 2011

Living in a house of longevity

When New York-based artist Shusaku Arakawa died in May 2010 at the age of 73, it caused a sensation — not only because of his influence on many creators, scientists and philosophers, but also because of the gaping contradiction his passing left behind.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Jan 16, 2011

Osaka: mecca for foodies, and more

A visit to Osaka is all about enjoyment, entertainment and indulgence — particularly in the fine fare to be found everywhere around its historic sites and along the buzzing neon streets of Japan's food-fueled second city.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Jan 14, 2011

Deerhunter / Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti

Organized by concert promoter Contrarede, 4AD Evening will unite three of the more prominent acts from the renowned, long-running 4AD imprint's current roster — Blonde Redhead, Deerhunter and Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti — for Osaka and Tokyo shows.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 14, 2011

Edano to replace Sengoku in new Cabinet

CHIBA — Prime Minister Naoto Kan was rumored Thursday to have two key changes in mind for his looming Cabinet reshuffle, sources said.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Jan 14, 2011

Spelling out China's calligraphic influence

At the end of the Edo Period (1603-1868), as Japan began to change its long-held cultural reference point from China to the West, a strong Sinophile interest was maintained by the nation's cultural and political elites. From the late 19th century, however, the cultural reorientation to the West had deleterious...
Events / Events Outside Tokyo
Jan 14, 2011

Rakugo comic Katsura: a stand-up guy doing a sit-down job

Have you ever heard the one about the samurai and the monk? Chances are if you've heard rakugo before, you have.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Jan 14, 2011

Mo'some Tonebender

M o'some Tonebender released their 13th studio album, "Struggle," in December. Although their career has not been without its challenges, the disc's title is something the popular alt-rock trio have not had to do for some time.

Longform

Once smoky, male-dominated spaces, today's net cafes, like Kaikatsu Club, are working to make their operations more attractive to women customers.
The second life of Japan's net cafes