Japan's former emperor and empress likely to celebrate new year with public
Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko are expected to join other members of the imperial family in greeting New Year's well-wishers, sources at the Imperial Household Agency said Tuesday. If the couple attends the event, at which Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will offer ...
IN PICTURES: Japan says good night to 2018, good morning to 2019
Japan greeted 2019 — the year of the boar, according to the Chinese astrological calendar — Monday evening and Tuesday morning with traditional visits to both major and minor temples and not-so-traditional events, such as the massive one at the famous Shibuya Crossing, where thousands ...
Shibuya Ward calls for safe New Year's countdown after disruption at Halloween
About 60,000 people came to Shibuya’s countdown event in 2016, and more than 100,000 descended on the area in 2017.
From #MeToo to rape laws, women's rights advanced despite adversity in 2017
Pink hat-wearing protesters marched in the millions, celebrities called out their abusers as "pigs," and countries from Chile to India passed pro-women legislation, making 2017 a momentous year for women's rights despite setbacks, activists said. Beginning with the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, who ...
What the world needs right now is more Kwanzaa
Although the celebration was designed as a Pan-African affair, its seven principles could benefit every one of us.
For most people, in most places, 2015 has been a pretty good year.
Much jaw-jaw about war-war: the year 2015 in quotes
The past year has seen a number of tugs-of-war, as conservatives promoted past glories and preservation of the status quo while liberals lobbied for unprecedented levels of tolerance.
On a Christmas visit, expat thoughts turn to 'going home'
Reconnecting with home can be a cause for reflection: Where have I been, and where am I going? Is there another life to return to?
Germans to spend less on Christmas presents and more on charity amid refugee crisis
Germans are expected to spend less on Christmas presents this year and instead open their wallets to charities as the country faces a record influx of refugees.
Avoid offense by heeding these nengajō do's and don'ts
A recent survey revealed quite a few inconvenient truths about what people like and don't like when it comes to New Year's cards.
This year's most memorable buzzwords in Japan were recently announced, with the words "bakugai" and "toripuru surii" jointly taking home the top honors.
