Tag - explainer

 
 

EXPLAINER

Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal / EXPLAINER
Dec 2, 2022
Mixed messages: What the Tokyo Court's same-sex marriage ruling really means
In saying the prohibition of same-sex marriage is both constitutional and in a “state of violating” the Constitution, the court was signaling that it wants parliament to settle the matter.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal / EXPLAINER
Dec 2, 2022
The Tokyo Games bribery and bid-rigging scandals: What you need to know
Allegations of bid-rigging by leading advertising firms for Games test events have recently surfaced, adding to a scandal over suspected bribes paid for sponsorship contracts.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Nov 20, 2022
As 'twindemic' looms in Japan, here is what to do if you have a fever
This winter, the cause of flu-like symptoms could be the coronavirus, the flu or the respiratory syncytial virus.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / EXPLAINER
Nov 10, 2022
How Binance-FTX deal rocked the crypto world and then collapsed
While crypto might seem like a niche corner of finance, the saga between two of its top players has upended the crypto ecosystem and is likely to have far-reaching repercussions.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Oct 23, 2022
The government wants you to get a My Number card. Should you?
The cards offer more convenient access to government services, but many people have been hesitant to get them due to concerns over data leaks.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Oct 21, 2022
Tokyo Olympics bribery scandal: Investigation ensnares stuffed-toy maker and ad firms
The case has grown to encompass ADK Holdings — Japan's third-largest advertising firm — and stuffed-toy maker Sun Arrow, among others.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health / EXPLAINER
Oct 14, 2022
Think you've got COVID? You might have fall allergies instead
Unlike allergies from cedar and cypress pollen, which hit in the spring, fall allergies — caused by several grasses and weeds — are less recognized in Japan.
Japan Times
WORLD / EXPLAINER
Oct 11, 2022
From 'football' to 'biscuits': how to launch U.S. nukes on the go
The president has no big red button to push and whatever he orders still has to filter through several sets of human beings before becoming reality.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Oct 9, 2022
What to expect as Japan opens back up to the world
While requirements for guided tours will be a thing of the past, proof of vaccination and mask-wearing etiquette will remain in place.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Oct 9, 2022
Domestic travel subsidies set to begin for Japan residents
The National Travel Discount program — which is available only to those with residency status in Japan — uses government subsidies to fund discounts on meals, shopping and accommodation.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / EXPLAINER
Oct 4, 2022
TSE's trial carbon trading project could lead to shake-up of sector
The project is being conducted under the economy ministry and involves more than 140 participating companies and organizations.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Oct 2, 2022
Tax breaks, local specialties: What to know about Japan’s furusato nōzei program
Foreign residents had difficulty taking advantage of the program due to a lack of information in languages other than Japanese — until now.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Sep 23, 2022
What the state funeral for Shinzo Abe will involve
Thousands of attendees, including representatives from over 217 countries, territories and international organizations, are expected to participate in the ceremony.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Sep 20, 2022
Debate over Abe's state funeral puts spotlight on practices of other nations
Japanese social media users have used 'real state funeral' to refer to Queen Elizabeth II's ceremony, highlighting their opposition to the state funeral plan for Abe.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Sep 16, 2022
Why people are opposed to Abe's state funeral
The ceremony has drawn criticism over its legality, its cost to the taxpayer and whether it forces the public to mourn a controversial political figure.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Sep 9, 2022
What you need to know as Japan prepares to roll out new COVID vaccines
The drive featuring shots that target the omicron subvariant will start later this month and go into full swing in October and November.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal / EXPLAINER
Aug 26, 2022
Tokyo Olympic bribery scandal puts spotlight on money's influence
The scandal is also being watched closely in Sapporo, which is bidding to host the 2030 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health / EXPLAINER
Aug 12, 2022
What we know about the new omicron vaccines
New vaccines developed for the COVID-19 omicron variant are scheduled to be available from mid-October in Japan, raising hopes that the population will soon be better protected.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society / EXPLAINER
Aug 9, 2022
Why the Unification Church has become a headache for Kishida
Support for Kishida's cabinet has fallen to the lowest since he took office in October at 46%, with many poll respondents saying they wanted an explanation about ties to the church.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Aug 8, 2022
What it would mean for Japan to downgrade its COVID classification
Changing the classification could reduce the burden on sections of the medical system, but at the cost of limiting authorities' understanding of the pandemic.

Longform

Later this month, author Shogo Imamura will open Honmaru, a bookstore that allows other businesses to rent its shelves. It's part of a wave of ideas Japanese booksellers are trying to compete with online spaces.
The story isn't over for Japan's bookstores