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Masumi Koizumi
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Apr 3, 2019
Announcement of Japan's impending Reiwa Era sets off scramble for internet domain names
It is not only for products and companies that people have a desire to use the new Imperial era name, and its announcement has set off a scramble to acquire a domain name — the address used to access a website — featuring the word "reiwa."
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 1, 2019
New Reiwa era name draws positive public responses across Japan
“It was unexpected, but I'm especially happy that they used u2018wa' in the name,” says an Osaka shopkeeper.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Help Wanted?
Mar 31, 2019
Foreign workers are on the way, but are Japanese businesses ready?
A new visa program designed to lure more workers to Japan takes effect Monday, and government officials and industry leaders hope two new types will help alleviate the national labor shortage.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / AMBASSADOR VISIT
Mar 21, 2019
India's new ambassador to Japan sees strong potential in technology cooperation
India's new ambassador to Japan believes the two countries can complement each other in terms of talent and technology, and that cooperation could lead to new innovations.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 15, 2019
Japan to put robotics prowess on show during 2020 Olympics by helping staff and visitors alike
Acting on its aim to make the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics "the most innovative in history," organizers on Friday unveiled robots that will be deployed to assist spectators and staff during the games.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Mar 13, 2019
Drones retain their buzz at Japanese trade show, with industrial uses expected to bolster growth
With the market for business-use unmanned aircraft looking promising in coming years, a large-scale drone expo that kicked off Wednesday showed more companies are eager to get involved with the industry.
Japan Times
JAPAN / 3/11: Moving forward
Mar 8, 2019
Tohoku tours shed light on life in the aftermath of the 3/11 tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster
This is the second in a series examining how the northeast and the nation are progressing with efforts to deal with the March 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 6, 2019
Tokyo Skytree celebrates 60th anniversary of iconic fashion doll Barbie's debut
An event marking the 60th year since the debut of iconic fashion doll Barbie kicked off at Tokyo Skytree on Wednesday, showcasing the doll's history and diversity.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 1, 2019
SDF draws fire for recruitment poster featuring female anime characters in skimpy costumes
A Self-Defense Forces recruitment office in Shiga Prefecture has caused a stir by releasing a poster that features female anime characters wearing super-short skirts, which expose what appear to be underwear. Some people have described the image as a form of sexual harassment.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Entertainment news
Feb 19, 2019
TV personality Chiemi Hori announces advanced-stage cancer diagnosis and vows not to 'lose this battle'
TV personality and former pop idol Chiemi Hori, 52, said she has been diagnosed with stage 4 tongue cancer — the most advanced stage of the disease — in an official blog post published Tuesday.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Feb 18, 2019
Sharp takes wraps off new RoBoHoN, with apps aimed at getting families and firms used to 'life with robots'
Sharp Corp. on Monday released three new models of its RoBoHoN humanoid robot with a wider range of use for families and corporate clients.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 15, 2019
Interpreter for Oita marathon closes blog after calling African athletes 'chimpanzees' in post
A woman in her 50s who served as a volunteer interpreter at a marathon in Oita Prefecture has apologized for an online blog post in which she referred to African marathoners under her care as "chimpanzees."
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Feb 12, 2019
Japanese companies warming up — slowly — to four-day workweek
Once synonymous with long work hours, Japanese companies are beginning to embrace — or at least consider — the idea of a four-day workweek.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Feb 7, 2019
Long-distance laundry: Japanese startup unveils remote-controlled robot that deals with your dirties
In a few years, perhaps for some the most dreaded household chore may be taken over by robots.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Feb 5, 2019
Japan's health ministry draws on 'City Hunter' manga nostalgia to promote rubella vaccine to men
The government is promoting free vaccinations against rubella for men age 39 to 56, using characters from a manga series thought to resonate with that generation.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jan 23, 2019
Story of Iwao Hakamada, boxer who spent 48 years on death row, to become manga series
The story of Iwao Hakamada, a former professional boxer and death-row inmate, 82, who continues to battle to clear his name over a 1966 quadruple murder, will be adapted into a manga series, supporters of the convict announced Wednesday.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 22, 2019
Pollen season predicted to arrive in mid-February across much of Japan
If you suffer from pollen allergies and live in eastern or western Japan, forecasters recommend starting treatment as soon as possible.

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