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November 22, 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
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Jun 18, 2013
Okigusuri
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
May 21, 2013
Postal symbol
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Apr 18, 2013
Early photos of northern Japan capture a time of change
Although photography entered Japan in the mid-19th century, it took time to spread beyond the few port cities permitted to engage in trade with the West at that time. As a result, it was several decades before this imported Western technology reached outlying districts, and by then the Japanese concept...
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Apr 16, 2013
The 5 p.m. bell
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Mar 19, 2013
White gloves
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Feb 19, 2013
Nori
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Jan 15, 2013
Warōsoku
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Dec 18, 2012
Senkyo postā keijiba
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Nov 20, 2012
Emergency announcements
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Oct 16, 2012
Straw belts
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Oct 2, 2012
What it means to be 'Made in Japan'
"Made in Japan" is a such a simple phrase, yet it instantly evokes an image of exceptional design and high-quality production. Japan today is known for creating some of the most stylish, innovative and whimsical products in the world.
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Sep 18, 2012
Kaohame
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Jul 17, 2012
Chindonya
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Jun 21, 2012
Slow design: Everyday objects that make us rethink our lifestyle
If you've never been to the 21_21 Design Sight exhibition space in the Tokyo Midtown complex, and have even a passing interest in craftsmanship, now is the time to pay a visit. Just touring the building, which was designed by famed architect Tadao Ando and lies largely underground, would be well worth...
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Jun 19, 2012
Seaweed salt
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
May 15, 2012
Kura
Dear Alice,
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Apr 17, 2012
Pampered pets
Dear Alice,Don't you think it's time you did a column on the crazy pet products and services available in Japan? I can't believe the lengths some dog owners go to — dressing their pets in frilly clothes, pushing them around in baby carriages and taking them into cafes. My wife says I'm crazy but I...
CULTURE / Art
Mar 22, 2012
Photographing history: pioneers of technique
A good retrospective presents an artist's full career, challenges our preconceptions and encourages us to rethink his or her work and contributions. Two new exhibitions at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography do just that, shedding new light on two very different photographers: Felice Beato...
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Mar 22, 2012
Photographing history: pioneers of technique
A good retrospective presents an artist's full career, challenges our preconceptions and encourages us to rethink his or her work and contributions. Two new exhibitions at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography do just that, shedding new light on two very different photographers: Felice Beato...
Japan Times
Reference / SO WHAT THE HECK IS THAT
Mar 20, 2012
Randoseru
Dear Alice,
Two of America’s biggest debt holders are dumping Treasurys
The U.S. Treasury building in Washington. Investors in Japan and China sold a pile of U.S. debt in the last quarter, just before the U.S. presidential election.
Ishiba aggravates his own political failures with diplomatic faux pas
Prime Minster Shigeru Ishiba is greeted at the APEC summit in Lima by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday. The Japanese leader was criticized for remaining seated while meeting several world leaders at the event.
Japan's 3.31 million visitors in October set monthly record
Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto in December 2023. Famous autumn leaf colors contributed to increased tourism demand last month from many markets across Asia, Europe and North America, the Japan National Tourism Organization has said.
Japan ranks last in romance satisfaction for second straight year
In a survey of 31 countries, Japan ranked last in terms of those who felt loved, with just 51% of respondents saying so.
Ruling coalition and DPP strike last-minute deal over economic policy
DPP policy chief Makoto Mahaguchi speaks at the party's policy gathering in Tokyo on Wednesday.
Japan, U.K. and Italy discuss inviting more countries to joint fighter project
A new concept model of a next-generation fighter jet to be jointly developed by Japan, Britain and Italy is on display in Farnborough, Hampshire, in July.
Haruki Murakami's 'The City and Its Uncertain Walls' gives deep deja vu
For “The City and Its Uncertain Walls,” translated into English by Philip Gabriel, Haruki Murakami confronts the ghosts who won't leave him alone.
Japanese expats in Asia find community through rugby
The Taiwan Fivewoods celebrate their victory at the 2023 Asian Japanese Rugby Cup in December of last year.
In Fukushima, a weekend of prose, poetry and translation
Aomori-based writer JJ Carter presented on tabletop gaming as creative inspiration for building characters and narratives.
For Dr. Nakamats, aging is just experience in action
Though he didn't win the recent gubernatorial election in Tokyo, the 96-year-old Dr. Nakamats' run was seen as inspirational in Japan's aging society.

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