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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
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:
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.

Podcast

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.
Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

Longform

Construction takes place on the Takanawa Gateway Convention Center in Tokyo, slated to open in 2025.
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By Kathryn Wortley

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