Tag - 2020

 
 

2020

Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Dec 22, 2020
The secret is out: This kanji will remain closely associated with the pandemic of 2020
The Japanese have spoken, 'u5bc6' (mitsu) is the kanji of the year for 2020. But what is this kanji trying to say to us?
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives
Dec 21, 2020
A summer of solidarity: Looking back on the Black Lives Matter marches in Japan
COVID-19 wasn't the only story of 2020. In May, footage of the murder of George Floyd was posted online and resulted in a month of protest in the U.S. and in Japan.
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 / Society / 2020 in Review
Dec 19, 2020
Anxiety over coronavirus in 2020 spurs unprecedented societal change in Japan. Will it last?
For many in Japan, 2020 has been a year hijacked by uncertainty, a tumultuous period spent improvising and adapting to an unfamiliar way of life.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / TOKYO FOOD FILE
Dec 19, 2020
The pandemic didn’t stop Tokyo’s foodies from dining out in 2020
The capital's restaurant scene saw plenty of culinary highlights that helped bring notes of optimism and positivity to a difficult year.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books / 2020 in review
Dec 19, 2020
Our critics’ favorite books published in 2020
As 2021 approaches, six Japan Times book reviewers look back on their top reads released in English this year.
JAPAN / Media / BIG IN JAPAN
Dec 19, 2020
Dissecting Japan's hit products of 2020
While many popular items in 2020 were related to the COVID-19 pandemic, a few surprises attracted attention.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / KANPAI CULTURE
Dec 19, 2020
Sake brewing in 2020: ‘Hard times are going to be with us for a while’
After years of incremental gains due to growing popularity abroad, Japan's sake producers struggled with substantial losses this year.
BASKETBALL
Dec 19, 2020
Women's basketball star Ramu Tokashiki tears ACL
The injury deals a major blow to Japan's chances of winning Olympic gold on home soil next year.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
Dec 19, 2020
Trump’s future: Tons of cash and plenty of options for spending it
Donald J. Trump will exit the White House as a private citizen next month perched atop a pile of campaign cash unheard-of for an outgoing president, and with few legal limits on how he can spend it.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Dec 18, 2020
Russia's Olympic doping ban halved, but flag barred from Tokyo Olympics
The ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport drew criticism for anti-doping officials who claimed that Russia was not sufficiently punished for its state-sponsored doping activities.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film / 2020 in review
Dec 16, 2020
One anime to slay them all: How Japanese film fared in 2020
The film industry was hit hard by the pandemic, with the closure of theaters and festivals moving online. However, that's what made the triumph of “Demon Slayer” all the more surprising.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
Dec 16, 2020
Mitch McConnell recognizes Biden as U.S president-elect after holdout
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell recognized Joe Biden as the winner of the presidential election the day after the Electoral College confirmed his victory — a pivotal moment that further cements President Donald Trump’s defeat.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Dec 15, 2020
Who were those Trumpists marching in Tokyo?
There were at least two demonstrations organized by Trump supporters in Tokyo last month. The question is who organized the events.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
Dec 15, 2020
Biden wins Electoral College to cement victory and rebuff Trump
The formal vote capped a tumultuous period sparked by Donald Trump's refusal to acknowledge he lost — with the help of Republicans willing to support his unsubstantiated claims.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Dec 14, 2020
Olympic favorite Ryo Kiyuna seizes ninth straight title at karate championships
Kiyuna said he's never competed with records in mind, and insisted his nine straight titles are the result of his dedication to fulfill his own potential.

Longform

A sinkhole in Yashio, which emerged in January, was triggered by a ruptured, aging sewer pipe. Authorities worry that similar sections of infrastructure across the country are also at risk of corrosion.
That sinking feeling: Japan’s aging sewers are an infrastructure time bomb