Tag - the-xx

 
 

THE XX

Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 13, 2022
Japan to restart travel discount program on Jan. 10 after year-end break
Under the revamped program, the maximum discount to be awarded to a tourist per night will be lowered to u00a57,000 from the current u00a511,000.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 13, 2022
Lingering COVID risk shifts Japan's end-of-year party culture
A recent survey found that 70% of respondents considered year-end parties unnecessary, and many that are happening are being held on a smaller scale.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Dec 11, 2022
Izakaya pubs see spike in bookings for year-end parties
The situation for the 'izakaya' industry has improved drastically from the past two years, when such pubs were deserted amid the spread of the coronavirus.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Dec 10, 2022
Take a journey through the mythic and mundane in 'The Thorn Puller'
Hiromi Ito's semi-autobiographical, transnational novel probes the complexities of life as it follows the struggles of a woman shouldering an impressive load of family troubles.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Dec 8, 2022
‘Fragments of the Last Will’: You’ll need tissues for this WWII tearjerker
Takahisa Zeze's period drama about the true-life story of a Japanese soldier's fight for survival in a Soviet camp aims for the heart.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Dec 1, 2022
‘Phases of the Moon’: A thoughtful yet unconvincing tale of rebirth
Ryuichi Hiroki's melodrama about reincarnation adeptly navigates multiple timelines with a sensitive touch while revealing unspoken Japanese beliefs.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 30, 2022
Education ministry eases guidance on coronavirus measures for school lunches
The ministry also asked local governments to give school lunch-related guidance and instructions based on the infection situation and other circumstances in each region.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Nov 27, 2022
'90s Japanese film 'All Under the Moon' director Yoichi Sai dies
In January, Yoichi Sai announced that he was battling bladder cancer.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Nov 12, 2022
Unsung stories of loyalty come to light in 'Bridge to the Sun'
Bruce Henderson's new book examines the long overlooked efforts of Japanese Americans who used their knowledge of the Japanese language, psychology and culture to help win the Pacific War.
Japan Times
LIFE
Nov 12, 2022
Can't sleep? Drinkable aids are booming in Japan
The demand for beverages that claim to help with sleep and alleviate stress is so high that some companies are having trouble making enough product.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Nov 11, 2022
'By the Window' offers a cinematic lesson in taking your time
Director Rikiya Imaizumi throws convention aside to focus on complex characters that audiences can relate to in his new film, which won the Audience Award at the recent Tokyo International Film Festival.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Nov 9, 2022
‘Grave of the Fireflies’ candy-maker goes bust as costs soar
The Tokyo-based company will end operations on Jan. 20, attributing the closure to rising raw material and energy prices as well as staff-hiring challenges.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Nov 3, 2022
‘The Zen Diary’: Simple life lessons to feed the soul
Yuji Nakae's foodie drama, adapted from a 1978 book by the late Tsutomu Mizukami, plays out like a feature-length episode of “Chef's Table.”
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Longform
Oct 31, 2022
Can Japan’s pandemic-hit amusement parks return with a bang?
Does the opening of Ghibli Park in Aichi Prefecture reflect a turnaround in fortunes for theme park operators in Japan?
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Oct 27, 2022
‘Whisper of the Heart’: First love story is sweet but shallow
Yuichiro Hirakawa's live-action adaptation of a manga by Aoi Hiiragi predictably pulls at heartstrings, but doesn't measure up to the classic anime version released in 1995.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Oct 20, 2022
‘The Three Sisters of Tenmasou Inn’: Life in limbo becomes too sentimental
The stellar main cast and Non's undeniable energy are the bright spots of Ryuhei Kitamura's cloying drama about a woman who finds herself in a realm between life and death.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Oct 20, 2022
‘Journey Beyond the Night’: A bad trip worth savoring
Takayuki Kayano's genre-switching drama starts slow but delivers a one-way ticket to weirdness.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Oct 20, 2022
‘The Ring’ at 20: Millennial horror that’s still infecting movies today
The film that kicked off the West's J-horror fascination was made in the shadow of 9/11. Its influence can be seen in “Smile,” “It Follows” and more.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Oct 16, 2022
'The Shining Sea': A layered exploration of fate and free will
Master of horror Koji Suzuki's psychological thriller showcases his ability to write across genres and examine destiny and individual freedom.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Oct 15, 2022
‘Undesirable consequences’ may await Japan’s well-meaning tourists
The return to full-scale tourism may be much more of a slog than previously thought — for tourists and Japan alike.

Longform

Things may look perfect to the outside world, but today's mom is fine with some imperfection at home.
How 'Reiwa moms' are reshaping motherhood in Japan