National Oct 12, 2020
'LGBTQ landmark': Pride House Tokyo opens as part of Olympics project
While Japan has some protections for sexual minorities, it remains the only Group of Seven country that does not recognize same-sex unions.
National / Media | BIG IN JAPAN Aug 15, 2020
The popularity of jeans in Japan begins to fray
by Mark Schreiber
According to industry data, total sales of jeans of all types reached 78 million pairs in 2002. The current annual figure is believed to have fallen below 40 million.
National / Media | BIG IN JAPAN Aug 1, 2020
Kabukicho host clubs under fire for spreading coronavirus
by Mark Schreiber
Some media outlets are weighing the pros and cons of mounting an actual "blockade" of Tokyo's well-known entertainment district.
Food & Drink | TOKYO FOOD FILE Aug 1, 2020
Berg: A classic Shinjuku pit stop, 30 years on
by Robbie Swinnerton
There was already a lot to celebrate about cafe-bar Berg. Now there’s two more: Its 30th birthday and new nonsmoking status.
National / Social Issues | FOCUS Jul 21, 2020
Debate over Japan's virus testing resurfaces amid nationwide outbreak
by Ryusei Takahashi
While the country is conducting more tests now than it was during the first outbreak, it’s still lagging far behind most nations still ensnared in the pandemic.
National Jul 14, 2020
Tokyo urges 800 theatergoers to get tested as virus cluster found
Tokyo health officials appealed on Tuesday for more than 800 theatregoers to get tested for the novel coronavirus after a production starring Japanese boy-band members was found to be the source of at least 37 cases. As the number of virus infections continues to rise ...
National | FOCUS Jul 8, 2020
Hundreds of cases, but no state of emergency: What changed in Japan?
by Gearoid Reidy
This isn’t April, when businesses shut their doors and workers stayed home; government officials argue that another emergency declaration isn’t necessary.
National Jun 15, 2020
Tokyo reports 48 new coronavirus infections as more nightclub cases emerge
Of the total, 20 were confirmed through a group examination conducted mainly for so-called host club employees.
National Jun 15, 2020
Of the new infections, a total of 32 are related to nighttime entertainment districts and five are linked to a hospital cluster.
National Jun 9, 2020
Nightlife districts demonized over infection fears while grappling with coronavirus impacts
by Tomohiro Osaki
Heated media coverage has zeroed in on Kabukicho, catapulting the area to a new level of notoriety.
National Jun 7, 2020
Since the relaxation of social and economic restrictions late last month, a number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases have been connected to so-called host clubs.