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 Jun Hongo

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Jun Hongo
Jun Hongo graduated from Boston University and joined The Japan Times in 2006. He covers a wide range of domestic news, including politics and business. He is an avid Red Sox fan.
Japan Times
Events / Events Outside Tokyo
Dec 19, 2013
Hokkaido's Furano Kan Kan Mura is for people who need a space to chill
Chill out in Hokkaido's Furano and embrace winter at the annual Furano Kan Kan Mura Snow Night Fantasy, which kicks off on Dec. 21.
Japan Times
Events / Events In Tokyo
Dec 19, 2013
Fukushima brings its wares to Tokyo Station for a festival of flavor
Wrap up the year with the best food and drink straight from Fukushima Prefecture, at the Fukushima Bimi Street event taking place at Tokyo Station.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Dec 14, 2013
Waiter . . . there's a bug in my soup
The crickets chirp before they are thrown into a pan, sauteed in vegetable oil and turned into crispy, crunchy snacks. They are one of the three toppings offered on crackers as hors d'oeuvres; a jam made from ants and rice grasshoppers boiled in a sweet soy sauce complete the insect triumvirate.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Dec 14, 2013
Insect recipe book author offers some new lunch recommendations
How do you react when you see a cockroach in your apartment?
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Dec 14, 2013
Experiment at home with these eye-opening insect recipes from "Mushi-kui Note"
Giant Water Bug Ethnic Soup
Japan Times
Events / Events Outside Tokyo
Dec 12, 2013
Xmas music for good causes
Tohoku is still in dire need of support to help its recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami in 2011. But it must be remembered that recovery is a slow process, and there are many who are also still struggling after the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, which destroyed a large portion of...
Japan Times
Events / Events Outside Tokyo
Dec 12, 2013
Slurping opportunities at Ramen Expo 2013
Ramen, Japan's soul food, continues to evolve by the day. It comes in a variety of flavors, with numerous toppings and at different prices. If you're a fan and happen to be in Osaka between Dec. 12 and 25, you are in luck — the Ramen Expo 2013 brings together noodle dishes from all over the country...
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Dec 9, 2013
Amazon tries 'selling' Cyber Monday
Leave it to the country's online retail giant to create Japan's version of America's latest Christmas shopping spree.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Dec 5, 2013
Treading a healthy path — whichever road you take
In the mid-19th century, a British undertaker by the name of William Banting was struggling to shed some pounds despite having tried every diet known at the time.
Japan Times
Events / Events Outside Tokyo
Dec 5, 2013
Don't choke on your traditional Japanese New Year's meal
Suffocating on osechi, Japan's selection of traditional New Year's dishes, really does happen. Which is why Osaka-based food manufacturer Fukunao Medical Foods Co. is holding an event on Dec. 7 where osechi cuisine specially prepared for people with chewing problems and dysphagia will be available for...
Japan Times
Events / Events In Tokyo
Dec 5, 2013
See 'Akira' in full aural capacity
Experience animation artist Katsuhiro Otomo's masterworks in a way you're unlikely to have done before. The Bakuon 2013 film event in Tokyo is showcasing various anime films by the renowned artist in a space with acoustics designed for music festivals. So, consider yourself warned — the screenings...
CULTURE / Music
Dec 3, 2013
Documentary film 'Save the Club Noon' tackles anti-dancing law
Dancers displeased with the anti-dance law and the shutdown of a popular club in Osaka are taking their arguments to the screens this month in a documentary titled "Save The Club Noon."
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 1, 2013
Lady Gaga gets dolled up in Tokyo
Leave it to Japan's humanoid robotics to outdo the world's most avant-garde diva.
Japan Times
Events / Events In Tokyo
Nov 28, 2013
The boys are back in town to sing for Japan
When the boys' choir Boni Pueri last toured in Japan in late 2010, the group made a stop at Tagajo in Miyagi Prefecture, merely months before the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami destroyed a large part of the city. Upon hearing the news at their home in the Czech Republic, the group quickly organized...
Japan Times
Events / Events Outside Tokyo
Nov 28, 2013
A festival that'll literally send you running
Learn from the experts how to properly exercise by joining two former Olympic athletes at the Jogging Matsuri 2013 on Nov. 30 in Yokohama's Minato Mirai Sports Park.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / LEARNING CURVE
Nov 24, 2013
Is the JLPT really worth it?
The final countdown to this Sunday's Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) has begun, but professionals say piling pressure on examinees might do more harm than good at this point.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY
Nov 24, 2013
Language-learning app mixes study and manga
For those who came to Japan for the anime but are stuck instead studying flash cards for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), an Osaka-based company has made it possible to kill two birds with one app.
Japan Times
Events / Events Outside Tokyo
Nov 21, 2013
Enjoy giant sushi rolls with Chiba's best rice
Enjoy what Tako in Chiba Prefecture has to offer this Saturday at the Iki Iki Festa Tako 2013, where local produce including the town's famous Tako-mai rice, will be available for purchase directly from the farmers.
Japan Times
Events / Events In Tokyo
Nov 21, 2013
Bless your shoes not your socks
Tamahime Inari Shrine in Taito Ward is hosting the 39th Kutsu no Megumi Matsuri (Shoe Blessing Festival) this weekend, for which local shoe makers will organize every shoe-related event imaginable, including memorial services for worn-out footwear and special bargain sales.
Japan Times
Events / Events In Tokyo
Nov 14, 2013
Save Earth from annihilation while exercising the brain
Feel like saving the world from a giant asteroid strike? Now's your chance.

Longform

Construction takes place on the Takanawa Gateway Convention Center in Tokyo, slated to open in 2025.
A boom for business tourism in Japan?