parenting - The Japan Times

Voices | FOREIGN AGENDA Aug 21, 2019

The odd blunder is OK at your local dad-to-be class

by Patrick St. Michel

Future fathers in Japan get lessons in caring for a baby at their local ward or city office. Yes, pregnancy suits are involved.

Lifestyle | CHILD'S PLAY Aug 18, 2019

Activities to keep the kids animated

Have a young budding animation director on your hands? "The Science Behind Pixar" exhibition takes kids (and so-inclined adults) through the process from modeling and rigging to simulation and rendering.

Lifestyle | CHILD'S PLAY Jul 14, 2019

H.C. Andersen Park: Once upon a time, in a land not so far away

by Jason Jenkins

Take the kids on a fairy-tale trip to H.C. Andersen Park in Chiba Prefecture, where Denmark's most celebrated writer lives on in playgrounds, workshops and recreations of Danish village life.

Lifestyle | CHILD'S PLAY Jun 16, 2019

Mashiko: Pots of fun for kids and parents

by Danielle Demetriou

Young children and ceramics are not an obvious mix — the former having an alarming tendency to break the latter the second they come into contact with one another. But there is one situation when combining the two works like magic: children's pottery classes.

Lifestyle | CHILD'S PLAY May 19, 2019

Race to Motegi for outdoor fun and games

by Jason Jenkins

Racecars, zip lines and the great outdoors — a visit to Twin Ring Motegi tracks in Tochigi Prefecture will keep the kids racing around in excitement.

Lifestyle | CHILD'S PLAY Mar 17, 2019

Fly into action and take the kids on an airline tour

by Jason Jenkins

For anyone who loves planes, a 'factory tour' of of one of Japan's biggest airlines can offer an exciting journey into aviation education.

Lifestyle | CHILD'S PLAY Feb 17, 2019

The smooth way to go skiing with kids

by Danielle Demetriou

Perhaps one of Japan's most child-friendly hotels, Risonare Yatsugatake is a mecca for young families. The guestrooms are spacious, staff are ever-patient and there are kids' menus in the restaurants.

Lifestyle Feb 10, 2019

Mom-friendly tomato farm bears more than just fruit

by Maya Kaneko

Drop Inc., a startup cherry tomato farming business in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, finds hiring mothers on flexible hours benefits business.

Lifestyle | CHILD'S PLAY Jan 20, 2019

Onsen: A great way to get the kids to take a bath

by Jason Jenkins

To many Japan newbies, the thought of bathing with strangers at a hot spring public bath seems off-putting — especially with kids. Yet for millions of residents, it's an ideal way to warm up and spend time together on a winter afternoon. Here are ...

Lifestyle | CHILD'S PLAY Dec 16, 2018

Programming: A code for fun and games

by Danielle Demetriou

The world of programming not only has countless educational benefits for kids, but it can also be an impressive creative outlet.

Lifestyle | CHILD'S PLAY Nov 18, 2018

From Christmas markets to skating, 'tis the season to be jolly

by Jason Jenkins

For many in Japan, Christmas is about romantic dinners, frosted pastries and fried chicken, but in Tokyo, there are plenty of other ways to get into the Christmas spirit.