Food & Drink | KANPAI CULTURE Feb 13, 2021
SG Low: A street culture-inspired izakaya gets the speakeasy treatment
by Melinda Joe
SG Group’s newest cocktail bar has a pared-down atmosphere, but the food and drinks have a high-class global twist.
National Feb 6, 2021
Some Japanese prefectures to extend requests for restaurants to close early
Beyond the 10 prefectures that are subject to an extended state of emergency over the coronavirus pandemic, seven prefectures will maintain their own requests for restaurants and bars to close early, a Jiji Press survey has shown. The seven prefectures are Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, ...
Business / Economy Jan 30, 2021
Japan’s hospitality sector creaks under the weight of a second state of emergency
by Alex K.T. Martin
Restaurants, bars and karaoke parlors are bearing the brunt of restrictions placed on their operations, a move that could have a long-lasting impact on the nation’s culinary landscape.
National Jan 17, 2021
Under Tokyo's state of emergency, some drink on even after authorities call time
While compliance has been high, more people appear to be ignoring the state of emergency this time than one last year.
National Jan 10, 2021
Tokyo restaurant suppliers may get government aid as emergency bites
Businesses eligible for the aid will include those whose sales have dropped by about half or more from January or February last year as a result of eateries shortening operating hours.
Business Jan 9, 2021
Traditional bars in the firing line of Japan's second COVID-19 emergency
by Akira Tomoshige and Akiko Okamoto
With losses already built up and footfall down as people work from home, owners of Japan's traditional izakaya are being forced into crushing choices.
National Dec 24, 2020
Japan considering penalties for firms that defy closure requests
Prefectural governors are currently only allowed to make nonbinding requests for eating and drinking establishments to shorten business hours.
Food & Drink Nov 28, 2020
Twillo: Fairy tale yatai bar hits the streets of Tokyo after midnight
by Phoebe Amoroso
Running a traveling bar might seem like an avant-garde answer to the coronavirus, but owner Shotaro Kamijo is in the business for a different reason.
National / Social Issues Nov 27, 2020
Shorter hours begin in Osaka nightlife areas amid COVID-19 surge
by Eric Johnston
Restaurants and bars still operating had hoped the usual December bōnenkai parties would provide a much-needed boost.
National Nov 26, 2020
Aichi governor asks Nagoya restaurants to shut early as cases rise
Bars and restaurants serving alcohol in the city's main nightlife entertainment districts are requested to shorten their business hours for about three weeks from this weekend.
National Nov 26, 2020
Request for business hour cuts adds to plight of Tokyo restaurants
Many bars and restaurants in the capital have already been hit by a spate of reservation cancellations due to the spread of the virus.
Food & Drink | KANPAI CULTURE Oct 17, 2020
Tokyo’s newest drinks trend? Upscale alcohol-free cocktails.
by Melinda Joe
The low- and zero-proof alcohol trend has hit Japan, and for those who want to abstain without sacrificing flavor, there’s no shortage of options.