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 Shusuke Murai

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Shusuke Murai
Shusuke Murai was born in Japan and spent his teen years in central Ohio. He graduated from New York University with a M.A. in Communication. His interests include the activities of virtual communities, intercultural interactions in the information society and futuristic gadgets.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech / ADVANCES IN PROGRESS
May 8, 2016
Solid-state technology juicing next wave of lithium-ion batteries
In an increasingly digital society, acquiring power to keep our smartphones, laptop computers and electric vehicles running is becoming essential to stay in communication and to get around.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 4, 2016
Japan's tourism sector evolving but needs more work, cultural heritage expert says
Japan's tourism strategies have gone beyond just promoting hospitality and have put the nation on track to achieve global standards, a British-born cultural heritage expert said.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 29, 2016
Japan looks to reform rigid tour guide exams as part of wider tourism push
As Japan begins to adapt to the unprecedented influx of foreign visitors, the tightly regulated tour guide industry prepares for major reform.
JAPAN
Apr 28, 2016
U.S. Embassy announces leadership seminars for female high school students
The U.S. Embassy will hold workshops for female Japanese junior high and high school students on leadership and speaking up in bid to promote gender equality.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Apr 21, 2016
Dentsu plans roadside ads that change according to driver's vehicle
In an experiment, advertising giant Dentsu Inc. plans to bring so-called targeted advertising, an increasingly popular sales method in cyberspace, into the physical world.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 19, 2016
U.N. rapporteur on freedom of expression slams Japan's 'press club' system, government pressure
A United Nations expert on freedom of expression concludes that Japan's media independence is being jeopardized by government pressure.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 15, 2016
Connectivity, news and social media become crucial lifelines in quake-hit areas
Building on the lessons of 3/11, Mobile phone carriers and media organizations team up to offer emergency communications services to those caught up in the Kumamoto quake.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Apr 6, 2016
Amnesty slams Japan over death penalty as global executions soar
A human rights group says recorded executions worldwide surged by more than 50 percent last year to the highest level in a quarter-century.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 1, 2016
JR rail pass to be available in Japan, ending frustration for tardy tourists
Cries of "dang" have long rung out from the nation's major railway stations as foreign visitors find Japan Rail Pass vouchers are unavailable after arrival.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 30, 2016
Japan doubles overseas tourist target for 2020
The government boldly raises its goal for annual inbound tourists by 2020 to 40 million.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Mar 29, 2016
Nissin to debut premium Cup Noodle Rich line in Japan
As more and more consumers turn to luxury products to enhance their lifestyles, Nissin Food Products Co. will start selling premium brand Cup Noodles from April.
JAPAN
Mar 28, 2016
IBM Japan loses lawsuit over faulty dismissal
The Tokyo District Court nullifies the dismissals of five IBM Japan employees and orders the company to pay their lost salaries following another 'abuse of power.'
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Mar 28, 2016
Mirrorless cars a reflection of auto industry's future
From fuel cell vehicles to self-driving cars, new technologies for next-generation autos are gaining traction.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Mar 25, 2016
Japan sends two more inmates to the gallows
Two death row inmates were hanged Friday morning, according to the Justice Ministry, bringing to 16 the number of executions carried out under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration since taking power in 2012.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 17, 2016
Japan Tourism Agency asks spa operators to accept tattooed foreign tourists
The Japan Tourism Agency has asked spa operators to allow tattoo-sporting foreign tourists into their facilities in a bid to get more overseas visitors experiencing the nation's onsen.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech / ADVANCES IN PROGRESS
Mar 13, 2016
Wi-Fi leaps higher in speed, range
To support the explosive growth of information and communications technology, wireless Internet connectivity is now considered essential infrastructure and is sometimes referred to as the fourth utility, after electricity, water and gas.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 11, 2016
Japan sees record high number of foreign residents: Justice Ministry
The number of foreign residents reaches an all-time high in 2015 at 2.23 million, according to the Justice Ministry.
Japan Times
JAPAN / REVISITING 3/11
Mar 8, 2016
3/11 lesson: Prepare, at all costs, for the worst
Should a devastating earthquake hit central Tokyo tomorrow, the skyscraper office buildings of Mori Building Co. would be able to provide temporary shelter for about 10,000 people.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Mar 8, 2016
Tokyo court rejects retrial bid over 1959 ruling that U.S. military's presence in Japan is constitutional
The Tokyo District Court on Tuesday dismissed a retrial request over a 1959 Supreme Court ruling that found the U.S. military's presence in Japan constitutional.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 2, 2016
Game app could teach children how to detect potential dangers of smartphones
As the use of smartphones grows in popularity with school children, educators are struggling with ways to teach young people how to recognize and handle the potential dangers they could face, and a smartphone game app called "Soul Negotiator" could be the answer teachers are looking for.

Longform

Sociologist Gracia Liu-Farrer argues that even though immigration doesn't figure into Japan's autobiography, it is more of a self-perception than a reality.
In search of the ‘Japanese dream’