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Japan Times
JAPAN / Regional Voices: Okinawa
Apr 10, 2023

Already at risk, performing arts in northern Okinawa dealt blow by pandemic

The local culture of the Yanbaru region is rich in variety, ranging from dance and theater to staff fighting and drum dancing, but relies on being handed down from generation to generation.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 9, 2023

School closures continue as Japan’s population declines

As Japan's birthrate drops quicker than expected, more schools in rural areas are closing their doors.
Japan Times
BASEBALL / MLB
Apr 9, 2023

Lars Nootbaar stays in Japanese spotlight after WBC star turn

The 25-year-old outfielder, who impressed many with his play for St. Louis last season, became an unlikely international star thanks to the World Baseball Classic.
Japan Times
WORLD / Science & Health
Apr 9, 2023

Whales help store carbon. Scientists are trying to figure out just how much.

The giant creatures have a role to play in the fight against warming, and that all comes down to how they can help keep carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere in both direct and indirect ways.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Apr 8, 2023

Tesla workers shared sensitive images recorded by customer cars

Some of the recordings caught Tesla customers in embarrassing situations — one ex-employee described a video of a man approaching a vehicle completely naked.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Apr 8, 2023

A long and winding visit to 'secret' Ubayu Onsen

Secluded and remote hot springs are yet another example of Japan's deep bathing culture.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Apr 7, 2023

My friendship with Ryuichi Sakamoto

Roger Pulvers writes about his relationship with the late musician, recalling the time he introduced Sakamoto to David Bowie.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Apr 6, 2023

Taiwan resigned to diplomatic losses in Latin America, observers say

U.S. officials and other sources see limited options available to the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden for halting the gradual drift toward China in Washington’s neighborhood.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy / FOCUS
Apr 6, 2023

BOJ’s Kuroda hands $11.7 trillion ‘shock and awe’ experiment to his successor

In 10 years, the BOJ forked out ¥1.55 quadrillion ($11.7 trillion) on bonds, stock funds and corporate debt. The staggering cost has economists asking: 'Was it all worth it?”
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Apr 5, 2023

Is 'Americanness' in peril?

Will the U.S. continue to be exceptional, or will it be transformed into a mediocre nation?
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Apr 5, 2023

Could Arfiya Eri be a sign of change for the Liberal Democratic Party?

The 34-year-old Kitakyushu native has a mixed heritage and diverse political views that could help boost the ruling party and freshen up its image.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Apr 5, 2023

The unyielding spirit of Ryuichi Sakamoto

The award-winning composer and member of Yellow Magic Orchestra showed a rebellious streak throughout his life, which not only influenced musicians worldwide but also effected social change.
BUSINESS
Apr 3, 2023

Japan firms roll back COVID measures for new recruit welcome events

Businesses are gradually returning to normal after the government revised mask-wearing guidance last month, leaving it up to individuals to decide whether or not to wear masks.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies / FOCUS
Apr 3, 2023

Super Mario: Nintendo's decades of star power

The pint-sized plumber has enjoyed 40 years of extraordinary popularity that has transformed the character into a truly global icon.
Japan Times
JAPAN / PERSPECTIVES
Apr 3, 2023

Global competitiveness of Japan’s universities under scrutiny

The government is promising higher education institutions more capital to boost scientific research, but will this improve their international reputation?
Japan Times
WORLD
Apr 2, 2023

Afghan women forced back to abusive ex-husbands after divorces annulled

Under the U.S.-backed government in Afghanistan a small number of women were granted legal separation. Now local commanders are ordering them back into violent marriages.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Apr 2, 2023

At Mayan ruins, leaders of Taiwan and Guatemala reaffirm ties

Tsai's visit, which will also take her to Belize, comes days after neighboring Honduras broke diplomatic relations with Taipei to link up with Beijing.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Mar 31, 2023

China's 'art factory' painters turn from fakes to originals

Home to more than 8,000 artists, southern China's Dafen has been producing near-perfect copies of timeless masterpieces for years.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Mar 31, 2023

Black Country, New Road ramps up the theatrics

Riding high on its triumphant Fuji Rock debut last summer, the British art-rock band returns to the country for its first Japan tour.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Mar 30, 2023

U.S. bank supervision needs more speed and transparency in wake of SVB debacle, critics say

The Fed’s vice chair claims that supervisors repeatedly identified risks to the failed bank, leading to accusations by lawmakers that the problems had not been escalated fast enough.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics / ANALYSIS
Mar 29, 2023

Official or unofficial? How Taiwan is rethinking diplomatic engagement.

Bolstering unofficial ties and not ruling out dual recognition with Beijing-aligned countries are some ways Taipei is trying to avoid being internationally isolated.
PODCAST / deep dive
Mar 29, 2023

The Japanese Diet expels some GaaSyy

From running his mouth on YouTube to running for office — and now, possibly, running from the law — GaaSyy’s journey has been a wild one.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Mar 29, 2023

With China's borders open, international students are eager to return

Earlier this month, China removed its last cross-border control measure and reopened to the world by allowing all types of visas to be issued.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Mar 28, 2023

Antonio Conte thanks fans who shared 'passion' after Tottenham exit

Conte, who took over in November 2021, will be replaced by his assistant Cristian Stellini until the end of the season.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Mar 28, 2023

North Korean defectors are dying lonely deaths in wealthy South Korea

Nearly 90% of defectors in Seoul said they’ve had trouble settling into their new homes after a decade, with many experiencing mental health problems and other adjustment issues.
Japan Times
WORLD
Mar 26, 2023

From rockets to ball bearings, Pentagon struggles to feed war machine

The Navy admiral had a blunt message for the military contractors building precision-guided missiles for his warships, submarines and planes at a moment when the United States is dispatching arms to Ukraine and preparing for the possibility of conflict with China.

Longform

Visitors walk past Sou Fujimoto's Grand Ring, which has been recognized as the largest wooden structure in the world.
Can a World Expo still matter? Japan is about to find out.