National Jan 19, 2021
Japan eyes use of robots to boost COVID-19 testing as Olympics loom
A Kawasaki Heavy Industries-built prototype uses a robotic arm to take a sample from a person's nose and can deliver the results in about 80 minutes.
National Jan 19, 2021
49-year-old university exam-taker arrested over refusal to leave toilet
The test-taker in Tokyo disobeyed exam supervisors' instructions to cover their nose, despite being told to do so seven times in total.
Lifestyle Jan 17, 2021
Knit wit: Yarn craft offers a much-needed mood boost
by Kate Atherley
Need a new #stayhome hobby as parts of Japan move back into a state of emergency? Maybe it's time to pick up some yarn and needles and give knitting a try.
Lifestyle Jan 17, 2021
Trendy threads: Where to order specialty yarn in Japan
by Haruka Murayama
Caught the crafting fever? Here are five shops where you can order a variety of ready-made kits and specialty yarns for your next DIY project.
National Jan 16, 2021
Japan's new university entrance exams underway amid virus pandemic
The exams drew a total of 535,245 applicants and are taking place at 681 venues, according to the National Center for University Entrance Examinations.
National Jan 15, 2021
Japan's ruling LDP to set up panel to address pandemic loneliness
The crisis has raised concerns over an increase in the number of people suffering due to reasons including loss of employment, school closures and staying at home.
Business Jan 12, 2021
Can Japan raise its teleworking game under the second COVID-19 emergency?
by Kazuaki Nagata
A slew of smaller firms are still somewhat hesitant to promoting such working styles, saying they don’t have enough funds to buy new equipment or that it reduces work efficiency.
National Jan 11, 2021
Virus casts shadow over once-in-a-lifetime coming-of-age ceremonies
by Ryusei Takahashi
Annual rite of passage for Japan's 20-year-olds would have been celebrated in style, with decadent kimonos, childhood reunions and all-night after-parties, were it not for COVID-19.
National Jan 11, 2021
Test-takers on alert as Japan university exam to go ahead amid virus surge
Applicants are being asked to check their body temperatures every morning for about seven days in the lead-up to the test.
Food & Drink Jan 10, 2021
A ‘new wind is blowing’ for Japan’s coffee culture
by Spencer Cohen and Tommaso Barbetta
Japan’s kissaten and coffee shops are no strangers to social change. COVID-19 is pushing both shops and their customers into digital-driven habits.
National Jan 10, 2021
Tokyo supermarkets may limit customer entry under virus emergency
Major supermarket operators will also refrain from carrying out discount sales and limited-time offers.
National / Media | Japan Pulse Jan 9, 2021
The search for positive takeaways from a year of COVID-19 on social media
by Kaori Shoji
Some users discovered they quite like the solitude they faced in 2020.