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July 04, 2025
 

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THE NEW NORMAL

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.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Longform
May 1, 2023
A new journey: Reviving Japan’s hospitality industry
In the wake of the pandemic, businesses are looking for ways to engage workers once more and welcome new waves of travelers.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 27, 2023
Japan to drop COVID border measures from Saturday
All incoming passengers are currently required to present proof of at least three COVID-19 vaccinations or have tested negative for the virus before departure.
Japan Times
WORLD / Science & Health
Apr 20, 2023
67 million children missed out on vaccines because of COVID-19, UNICEF says
Vaccine coverage among children declined in 112 countries and the percentage of children vaccinated worldwide slipped 5 points to 81%.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 11, 2023
Mask use in Japan at 86% despite eased guidelines, AI analysis finds
Revised guidelines that went into effect in March leave it up to individuals to decide on whether to wear a mask.
BUSINESS
Apr 3, 2023
Japan firms roll back COVID measures for new recruit welcome events
Businesses are gradually returning to normal after the government revised mask-wearing guidance last month, leaving it up to individuals to decide whether or not to wear masks.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 31, 2023
COVID measures will be up to Japan's businesses after downgrade
Requests for customers to sanitize their hands or have their temperatures taken are largely based on guidelines created by industries and will likely be less common after May 8.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / ANALYSIS
Mar 27, 2023
With COVID downgrade, Japan expects an economic windfall
According to one estimate, the negative economic impact of COVID-19 for the rest of this year could be ¥800 billion lower due to its reclassification.
BUSINESS / Longform
Mar 27, 2023
Can the return of international cruises bolster Japan’s beleaguered tourism industry?
The industry is struggling to deal with pandemic-induced challenges such as staff shortages and concerned residents near ports.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Mar 27, 2023
Shanghai expat exodus shows 'zero-COVID's' enduring scars
Shanghai has seen an exodus since the brutal two-month lockdown that crippled the city of 25 million from late last March.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Mar 19, 2023
The cherry blossoms are back, but is Tokyo?
Japan’s famous petals are blooming, and for the first time in four years so are the associated parties. But not everything COVID-19 took away will return.
JAPAN
Mar 17, 2023
Japan's school students won't be required to wear masks from April
Students will not be required to wear masks even when singing together, an activity believed to have a relatively high risk of infection, according to new guidelines.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / FOCUS
Mar 14, 2023
Tokyo to get major new office spaces this year, but is there demand?
Massive redevelopment projects in central areas are opening at a time when the vacancy rate is already indicating oversupply.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Mar 14, 2023
China set to resume issuing visas as it emerges from 'zero-COVID'
The move will also see visa-free entry into Guangdong province resumed for foreigners in groups from Hong Kong and Macau, and for those on cruise ships stopping in Shanghai.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Mar 13, 2023
Japan’s mask rules end — with some caveats
The government started leaving the decision on masking largely up to individuals Monday. But that doesn’t mean that everyone can throw out their face coverings in all situations.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Mar 10, 2023
Pandemic murder wave has crested. Here’s the postmortem.
Homicides were down in the U.S. in 2022 and continue to fall in the biggest cities. The cause of the spike during COVID-19 is still being determined.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 8, 2023
Health ministry panel proposes five basic habits for preventing COVID
The new approach comes as the government prepares to shift toward a post-pandemic normal through measures such as removing unified mask guidance.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Mar 2, 2023
Hong Kong removes mask mandate for residents and travelers
After almost three years, the government decided to ease restrictions on facial coverings. But concern over new variants keeps many people wearing masks.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Mar 1, 2023
Airline websites swamped as Hong Kong ticket giveaway takes off
The city government last month launched a campaign to reboot its reputation as 'Asia's world city,' after years of strict pandemic-related travel restrictions.
Magnitude 5.5 earthquake jars Tokara Islands amid flurry of seismic activity
A strong quake struck off the Tokara Islands on Thursday afternoon, with the island chain having recorded around 1,000 earthquakes since a burst of seismic activity first began on June 21.
Onosato's yokozuna promotion causes rare quirk in new sumo rankings
Newly promoted yokozuna Onosato holds a copy of the latest banzuke ranking in Anjo, Aichi Prefecture, on Monday.
A prophesied disaster (likely) won’t strike Japan this weekend
A viral manga prediction of a July 5 disaster has gripped Japan with anxiety and triggered an economic impact, but experts warn that while such dates are unreliable, the threat of a massive earthquake remains real. 
Over 900 earthquakes strike Tokara islands in space of two weeks
A screenshot shows many quakes occurring in the Tokara islands over the past 30 days, in this image taken from the U.S. Geological Survey website.
Ghibli’s Isao Takahata exhibit shows how beloved anime is made
“The man who planted Japanese animation” exhibition includes a variety of sketches, drawings and animation cels from Isao Takahata films such as color design for characters by Michiyo Yasuda from "Grave of the Fireflies."
Ghibli’s Isao Takahata exhibit shows how beloved anime is made
“The man who planted Japanese animation” exhibition includes a variety of sketches, drawings and animation cels from Isao Takahata films such as color design for characters by Michiyo Yasuda from "Grave of the Fireflies."
Flag football facing challenges and opportunities ahead
Japan’s women’s flag football team at the 2025 International Bowl in Los Angeles in June. The sport is enjoying continued growth in the country.
From Hokusai’s Great Wave, shinkansen to One Piece: a cultural treasure box for Lego Japan
Michael Ebbesen, general manager of Lego Japan, says Lego bricks based on Japanese culture have a rich global appeal and are sellable around the world.
With farmed fish, RelationFish swims against the tide in fine dining
Chef Hideaki Matsuo (middle) and the staff of Oseto Suisan Fisheries prepare to check on their sustainably farmed fish.
As Southeast Asia heats up, a Japanese cooling giant sees a major opportunity
An employee of Daikin Cambodia explains the use of different tools during an air conditioner installation training session in Phnom Penh. Daikin is one of Japan’s oldest air conditioning companies, but as Japan’s population falls, the firm is keying in on overseas growth.

Podcast

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.
Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

Longform

Mount Fuji is considered one of Japan's most iconic symbols and is a major draw for tourists. It's still a mountain, though, and potential hikers need to properly prepare for any climb.
What it takes to save lives on Mount Fuji
By Alex K.T. Martin

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