Tag - new-normal

 
 

NEW NORMAL

Historically, kabuki was considered the entertainment of the merchant and peasant classes, a far cry from how it is regarded today.
LIFE / Travel / Longform
Apr 15, 2024
For Japan's oldest kabuki theater, the show must go on
After a five-year absence, kabuki has returned to Kotohira. Can it be the draw that this tourism-hungry town desires?
Mori Building's Azabudai Hills complex in Tokyo's Minato Ward, which will house offices, shops, apartments, hotels and a school, is set to open in November
COMMENTARY / Japan
Oct 2, 2023
While Manhattan’s offices stay empty, Tokyo keeps building
Remote working has decimated offices in cities like New York and London. But Tokyo's workspaces have bounced back, also thanks to new builds.
A woman carries food to customers at a Japanese restaurant in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
ASIA PACIFIC
Aug 27, 2023
Hong Kong turns to tycoons to get party scene back on track
The government is urging major property groups to help boost the nighttime economy via drink coupons, free events and later shopping hours.
A woman stands on one side of the wall texting in front of a nightclub while, on the other side of the wall, a man works in an izakaya.
PODCAST / deep dive
Aug 24, 2023
One night out in Tokyo
As the last trains leave the central hubs of Shinjuku and Shibuya for the suburbs, much of the city heads home. However, Tokyo never sleeps.
An Air Koryo plane is reflected in a glass structure of the airport in Pyongyang in April 2017.
ASIA PACIFIC
Aug 22, 2023
North Korea sees first passenger flight in three years
An Air Koryo flight from Pyongyang landed in Beijing early Tuesday for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns began in 2020.
Sendai Station is one of the train stations to see the biggest gains in foot traffic compared to pre-pandemic levels.
JAPAN
Aug 12, 2023
30% of Japan prefectures see crowds surpass pre-COVID levels
Based on an analysis of major train stations, 13 locations, or 28%, recorded more people than during the same period in 2019.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Longform
Jul 17, 2023
After last train in Tokyo, a second city comes to life
Partying tourists, a busy fish market and and global businesses all play a part in a world most of us sleep through.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Jul 11, 2023
Pandemic causes developmental delays in 5-year-olds: research
In contrast, 3-year-olds showed no obvious delays, possibly indicating more time to communicate with guardians who by then worked from home.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jul 4, 2023
North Korea appears to lift COVID mask mandate, reports say
The isolated country has maintained border lockdowns and other anti-COVID measures long after most other nations ditched such restrictions.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jul 4, 2023
Return of tourists drives shift in Japan's top-selling goods in 2023
Increased sales of cosmetics and certain health goods, combined with declines for pandemic-related products, highlight the return of tourists and Japan's shift toward a post-COVID era.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 28, 2023
Japan's next flu season may begin two months earlier than usual
People's immunity to influenza declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the relaxation of infection prevention measures, such as wearing masks, has allowed the virus to spread.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jun 16, 2023
Remote work revolution becomes tug-of-war between bosses and fed-up staff
While workers don’t want to give up flexibility, leaders want teams back to boost collaboration and avoid a productivity slump.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 5, 2023
13% of students in Japan prone to depression due to pandemic, study shows
Behavioral restrictions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus are believed to have been among the factors affecting children's mental well-being.
Japan Times
WORLD / Science & Health
Jun 1, 2023
COVID lockdowns really did mess with our memories
Researchers have found that some who had lived under pandemic-era lockdowns exhibited distorted time perception similar to that seen in prisoners.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 12, 2023
Japan's imperial couple host first garden party in over four years
It was the first garden party to be held since the emperor ascended the throne in 2019.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
May 11, 2023
Lower Tokyo office vacancy rate gives relief to market after COVID-19
Historically, the city has recorded vacancy rates in the low single digits, but the market may be settling into a new normal of higher levels considering the change in work trends.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
May 11, 2023
‘Alone Together’ docudrama revisits loneliness and anxieties of the pandemic's early days
Yukiko Mishima’s film depicts the profound impact that living in isolation in fear of an invisible enemy had on everyday life in Japan.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
May 8, 2023
COVID-19 downgrade tipped to boost Japan economy by ¥4.2 trillion
According to Hideo Kumano, executive chief economist at the Dai-ichi Life Research Institute, around ¥2.6 trillion will come from a revival of inbound tourism.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Longform
May 8, 2023
Japan's spin on 'workations' proves a hit
The market for the new work initiative that grew in popularity during the pandemic is predicted to be worth in excess of ¥100 billion in fiscal 2023.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
May 8, 2023
Japanese companies split over post-pandemic remote working
Some major companies have been shifting back to working at the office in principle. Others are cautious about fully returning to an office-based work style.

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