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July 16, 2024
 

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Patrick St. Michel
Patrick St. Michel is a Tokyo-based writer with a focus on Japanese music. He runs the blog Make Believe Melodies, which has focused on Japanese independent music since 2009. Besides The Japan Times, he also contributes to MTV 81 and The Atlantic.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Dec 23, 2020
How has COVID-19 changed Japan's pop culture? Episode 3: Adapt
Pop group NiziU's “Make You Happy” became the song of this very strange summer and the government changed its tone from stay home to Go To.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Dec 22, 2020
How has COVID-19 changed Japan's pop culture? Episode 2: Isolate
When COVID-19 brought about a stay-at-home spring, Animal Crossing provided us with a digital island escape.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Dec 21, 2020
How has COVID-19 changed Japan's pop culture? Episode 1: Collapse
In Episode 1 of Recultured, we look at how 2020 ground to a halt through the lens of "Terrace House," and hear from stars of the show about its dramatic ending amid the arrival of COVID-19.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / DESSERT WATCH
Dec 19, 2020
Take 2021 by the horns with sweets fit for the Year of the Ox
More than over the Year of the Rat? Moo-ve into 2021 with these cow-themed cupcakes from Fairycake Fair.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / KONBINI WATCH
Dec 12, 2020
Need some pre-holiday indulgence? These chocolate sweets have you covered.
There may not be any holiday parties this year, but that just means you have even more reason to put together a festive convenience store smorgasbord.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / DESSERT WATCH
Dec 5, 2020
Eggslut goes sweet with its Eggy Banana Pudding
The Los Angeles-born chain specializes in — you guessed it — egg dishes. Starting this month, it's giving desserts a go, too.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / KONBINI WATCH
Nov 28, 2020
Plant-based protein makes healthy snacking easy
Wallet? Check. Keys? Check. Tofu bar from Seven-Eleven Japan? Check.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Voices / FOREIGN AGENDA
Nov 23, 2020
Raise a glass in memory of Tokyo's messier tourist traps
Robot Restaurant and MariCar (or Street Kart or whatever you want to call it) were problematic tourist experiences, sure. That doesn't mean they weren't bold.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Nov 21, 2020
U.S. election helps disinformation on social media thrive in Japan
The 2020 U.S. presidential election has dominated much of the news cycle over the past couple of weeks, with social media playing a key role in the conversation.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / DESSERT WATCH
Nov 21, 2020
Upscale updates to the classic Mont Blanc
Department stores might already be in full Christmas mode, but specialty dessert stores aren't giving up on autumn flavors.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Nov 14, 2020
Reaction videos take center stage as YouTubers seek to decipher online content about Japan
Genre's roots can be traced to the sort of interactions once typically found on Japanese mainstream TV.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / KONBINI WATCH
Nov 14, 2020
Dialing potato chip cheese flavor up to 11
Japanese snack makers often experiment with unique pairings, but there's nothing wrong with taking existing flavors to the boldest end of the spectrum.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / DESSERT WATCH
Nov 7, 2020
Harajuku’s latest dessert trend? Taiwanese castella cake
New sweets constantly emerge in Japan, and the latest fad combines the addictive texture of a souffle pancake with the taste of castella.
Japan Times
CULTURE / TV & Streaming / Wide Angle
Nov 6, 2020
‘24 Japan’ turns back the clock with remake of U.S. series
When studios in Japan suspended production of new programming due to concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic this past spring, TV stations turned to nostalgia to fill the suddenly vacant spaces on their nightly schedules. Reruns of dramas, in particular, proved successful, whether they were from a...
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / KONBINI WATCH
Oct 31, 2020
These convenience store snacks are here to ‘slay’
Head to Lawson and you'll find a range of limited-edition snacks tied to the recent record-breaking movie, “Demon Slayer.”
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Oct 24, 2020
Social media creators take advantage of the subsidized Go To campaigns
The government’s Go To Travel campaign prompted plenty of skepticism ahead of its debut in July. Understandably so — new cases of COVID-19 infections were back on the upswing at that time and the whole push to help support the country’s ailing tourism industry felt far too early. Initial results...
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / DESSERT WATCH
Oct 24, 2020
Minions and Mont Blancs dominate 2020’s Halloween treats
This year's Halloween events may have migrated online, but there's nothing virtual about these spooky and delicious sweets.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / KONBINI WATCH
Oct 17, 2020
Kirin’s Ichibanshibori beer goes zero-carb
Kirin Brewery Co. appeals to Japan's health-conscious consumers in hopes its new drink helps it 'find new beer fans.'
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Oct 10, 2020
Virtual YouTubers get caught in the middle of a diplomatic spat
It’s relatively easy for those involved in the entertainment industry in Asia to get caught up in geopolitical scuffles, with social media accelerating and magnifying any faux pas. Put on an ill-advised shirt or get the wrong tattoo and suddenly you’ve raised diplomatic tensions tenfold.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / DESSERT WATCH
Oct 10, 2020
The many layers of Cheese Dish Factory’s towering Mont Blanc parfaits
This autumn-appropriate sweet comes in four varieties — marron and tiramisu, berry and berry, fromage and rare cheese, and green tea and black kinako.
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.
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.
Amid same-sex marriage ban, LGBTQ couples opt for 'photo weddings'
A lesbian couple, consisting of a 35-year-old woman (left) and 40-year-old woman, cover their faces with bouquets as they pose for wedding photos in Yokohama on Nov. 1.
China and Russia conduct joint Pacific military patrol
The Russian corvette Gromkiy enters the Chinese port of Zhanjiang as part of a joint China-Russia naval exercise on Saturday.
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.
How to tweak your diet when temperatures spike
Most people think of hydration as a strictly liquid-based concept, but eating foods with high water content is an essential part of making it through a Japanese summer unscathed.

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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