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July 16, 2024
 

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Alice Gordenker

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Alice Gordenker
Alice Gordenker writes the "So, What the Heck is That?" column, providing in-depth, carefully researched explanations of the things foreigners find so puzzling about Japan. Her work has been modified as a textbook for Japanese university students called "Surprising Japan" (Shohakusha, 2012).
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Jun 14, 2007
In focus: 150 years of Japanese photography
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the oldest-known photograph taken by a Japanese person. Yet it is only in recent years that Japanese have started to take a serious interest in the history of early photography in this country, according to Terry Bennett, a London-based photo-historian.
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
May 15, 2007
Indented circles on roads
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Apr 17, 2007
Automated External Defibrillator
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Mar 20, 2007
Japan's gold poop
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Feb 20, 2007
Tree bondage
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Jan 23, 2007
Cycling on sidewalks
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Dec 19, 2006
Men's restrooms
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Nov 21, 2006
Samurai Scarecrows
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Oct 17, 2006
Small face
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Sep 19, 2006
O-kyaku
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Jul 18, 2006
Morijio
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Jun 20, 2006
5 yen and 50 yen coins
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
May 16, 2006
Kishagasa
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Apr 21, 2006
Freewheeling across the Inland Sea
"Getting there is half the fun."
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Apr 18, 2006
Sound trucks
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Mar 21, 2006
White Day
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Jan 17, 2006
Suicide
Dear Alice:
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Dec 20, 2005
Baggy trousers
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Nov 15, 2005
Gigantic spider
Dear Alice:
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Oct 18, 2005
Water pumps
Dear Alice:
Who needs AI when you have Hatsune Miku?
Over the first six months of 2024, a handful of songs using Vocaloid singer Hatsune Miku’s voice have enjoyed widespread attention, underlining a global interest in the character and the technology she represents.
Bloodied Trump survives assassination attempt at political rally
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is surrounded and evacuated by Secret Service agents at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. Trump was rushed off stage at the rally after shots rang out.
Shooter came within inches of killing Trump, but left few clues as to why
An aerial view shows the stage where Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump had been standing during an assassination attempt the day before, and the roof of a nearby building where a gunman was shot dead by law enforcement, in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Sunday.
Yen’s woes seem too big for even a BOJ hike this month to solve
The Bank of Japan headquarters in Tokyo
How to beat Japan’s summer heat in ways better for the planet
Tenugui towels hang up to dry at a dyeing company in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, on May 8. The durable and versatile tenugui, which many people have in their homes, can be used in many ways to cool one’s body.
The neurological disorder that 'kills culture'
Akiko Trush says her experience with the neurological disorder dystonia left her feeling like she wanted to chop her own hand off.
How to beat Japan’s summer heat in ways better for the planet
Tenugui towels hang up to dry at a dyeing company in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, on May 8. The durable and versatile tenugui, which many people have in their homes, can be used in many ways to cool one’s body.
After Trump shooting, U.S. presidential race might take a violent turn
United States Secret Service Counter Snipers stand guard on a rooftop during a campaign rally for U.S. President Donald Trump in Avoca, Pennsylvania, in 2020.
No AC this summer? No problem (for me).
Think air conditioning is a requirement for a Tokyo summer? Think again.
She’s paying ¥1 million to help behind the scenes at the Paris Olympics
Mai Tarumi, who previously volunteered at the postponed Tokyo Olympics in 2021, has a travel budget of ¥1 million for her trip to volunteer at the Paris Games.

Podcast

You can often see generations of families enjoying performances together at Fuji Rock Festival.
Japan’s summer music festivals are feeling the heat in more ways than one

Longform

Akiko Trush says her experience with the neurological disorder dystonia left her feeling like she wanted to chop her own hand off.
The neurological disorder that 'kills culture'
By Tomoko Otake

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