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Katie Forster
A Hello Kitty fan poses with a costumed character at the Sanrio Smile Shop on its opening day at Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City, California. Hello Kitty marks its 50th anniversary on Nov. 1.
CULTURE
Oct 30, 2024
The 'CEO of supercute': Hello Kitty turns 50
She is the undeniable queen of kawaii culture in Japan — and her likeness continues to make billions for her creators at Sanrio.
Kohei Saito, associate professor of philosophy at the University of Tokyo, in a "common forest" in Hachioji, Tokyo, in July
JAPAN
Aug 6, 2024
Slow down to save the planet, says Japanese philosopher Kohei Saito
Capitalism is the root cause of climate change, and we need to stop chasing growth, Saito argues.
The judge and last year's winner, Lettie Shiels, sits in the dressing room during the World Cosplay Summit in Nagoya on Saturday.
CULTURE / Entertainment news
Aug 4, 2024
Transformative hobby: Going for gold at Japan's World Cosplay Summit
The three-day event in Nagoya drew thousands of fans — many keen to show off their own costumes.
A tourist from the U.S. (second right) sings karaoke as "mama" Kuri Awaji (left) waves a glow stick at her bar Kuriyakko in Tokyo.
JAPAN / FOCUS
Jun 13, 2024
Tourists get taste of old Japan at hidden 'snack bars'
Snack bars are cozy, retro establishments often crammed into small buildings and equipped with karaoke systems that echo late into the night.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomes Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, last July.
JAPAN / FOCUS
May 18, 2024
Saudi crown prince seeks soft power in game hub Japan
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will visit Japan soon, where he will hold talks on energy while hunting more opportunities in gaming.
A black-and-white photo of the rocky surface of a crater transmitted by Japan's unmanned moon lander
JAPAN
Mar 28, 2024
Japan moon probe survives second lunar night, JAXA says
The moon lander touched down in January at a wonky angle that left its solar panels facing the wrong way.
Wim Wenders (left) co-wrote the script for “Perfect Days” with top advertising creative Takuma Takasaki. Japanese star Koji Yakusho (right) won best actor at Cannes last year for his performance as the film’s protagonist, a taciturn toilet cleaner in Tokyo.
CULTURE / Film
Feb 27, 2024
Oscar-nominated 'Perfect Days' is 'not about toilets,' Wenders says
The director's film about a taciturn cleaner who keeps Tokyo's public toilets spotless prompts reflections on urban solitude, community and growing older.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 16, 2023
The British botanist who helped revive Japan's seaweed industry
Kathleen Drew-Baker made groundbreaking discoveries about the reproduction of nori seaweed, helping to kick-start its farming on a commercial scale.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 16, 2023
From soup stock to supercrop: Japan shows off its seaweed savvy
Research into new applications for the marine plant — from carbon absorption to reducing methane emissions from cattle — is flourishing.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Jun 7, 2023
To lure vegetarian tourists, Tokyo restaurants get creative with classic dishes
Cuisine is a main draw for tourists in Japan, but what's a vegan to do in the famously fish- and meat-heavy restaurants of the capital?
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 24, 2023
Japanese ballet troupe presents its spin on plastic waste
'Plastic,' a new production by renowned Japanese company K-Ballet, aims to draw attention to a global pollution crisis through some unusual set and wardrobe design.

Longform

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