Language | MORNING ENGLISH Apr 3, 2017
Let's discuss the cherry blossom season
Every spring, people across Japan are enraptured as the cherry trees explode into bloom, clothing the country in pink.
National Apr 1, 2017
Parks fill up as nation readies for annual 'sakura' extravaganza
The nation's annual cherry blossom extravaganza, about to kick off with boozy parties across the country, will draw tourists from far and wide, but the annual coming-of-spring ritual isn't "official" until inspectors such as Hisato Nishii sign off on it. Over the past few weeks, ...
Travel | BACKSTREET STORIES Mar 25, 2017
More than fare trade: backstreet by taxi
by Kit Nagamura
A combination of rain showers and tax prep in March signal Tokyo's segue into spring. Cherry blossoms are nearly in bud, but cold, damp days of crunching fiscal figures can put people in dour moods. After wandering a wet backstreet, absorbing little more than precipitation, ...
Food & Drink Mar 24, 2017
In Japan, 'sakura' treats are in full bloom
In recent years, more and more corporations have been adding some "sakura" flair to their products. Here are some of the top items that are blooming this year.
Food & Drink | KONBINI WATCH Mar 10, 2017
Sakura Kaoru Cheese Souffle Cake: A new twist to an old theme
by Patrick ST. Michel
For the most part, Lawson's new Sakura Kaoru Cheese Souffle Cake looks more intriguing than it actually tastes, though it packs a surprise twist. The cake (¥230) looks as pretty as a convenience store offering can be, themed after the soon-to-arrive cherry blossoms. Despite its ...
Food & Drink | DESSERT WATCH Mar 3, 2017
Patisserie Kihachi kick-starts spring with Mont Blanc Sakura sweet
by Patrick ST. Michel
It may not feel like it, but spring is right around the corner, and for the nation's dessert makers that means everything gets a bit pink as they capitalize on the coming of the ever-fleeting cherry blossoms. Patisserie Kihachi has gotten in on the ephemeral ...
Lifestyle Mar 22, 2014
Hay fever: nothing to sneeze at
by Jun Hongo
Pharmaceutical companies are deploying a whole new generation of high-tech products in the fight against the seasonal irritant
National Mar 2, 2013
First spring storm of year hits Tokyo, other parts of Japan
The year's first strong south winds, signaling the arrival of spring, cut through Tokyo and other parts of Japan on Friday, the weather agency said. Temperatures rose to 15.2 degrees in Tokyo, 18.8 in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, and 17.8 in Fukuoka, while winds swept ...