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Rebecca Saunders
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Jul 19, 2021
The many faces of Tokyo 2020’s charm offensive
Despite a lack of visitors and spectators at this year's Olympics, an army of volunteers aims to do their best and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Jul 11, 2021
Hopping on a plane? Make sure you have everything in order first.
Changing border restrictions and unreliable flight schedules make international travel more complicated than ever. Take it from these people who have recently returned to Japan.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Jun 26, 2021
Top 5: Tokyo’s best udon restaurants
An endless variety of udon can be found anywhere from convenience stores to specialist shops. The perfect quick meal, it's cheap, tasty and often comes with fresh tempura on the side.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
May 2, 2021
Navigating Japan Post: Mail during the time of COVID-19
Japan Post provides a handy lifeline to those wanting to connect with family and friends in Japan or overseas.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Apr 25, 2021
Your questions for how to socialize safely this Golden Week, answered
Now a year out from the pandemic, The Japan Times asked some experts to help us get to grips with the latest health guidance and to offer advice about how (or if) it's safe to socialize.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives
Apr 5, 2021
Susan Mercer’s 15-year quest to educate on pet adoption in Japan
Canadian Susan Mercer founded HEART Tokushima 15 years ago. Amid a rise in pet ownership due to the pandemic, she's asking people to get educated before committing to a new furry friend.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / THE FOREIGN ELEMENT
Mar 29, 2021
The push to find real solutions to sexual harassment is ongoing, even in ‘safe’ Japan
Experts believe that many victims of sexual harassment in Japan aren't aware that what their harassers are doing is wrong. That is changing, however.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos
Feb 1, 2021
Living in Japan doesn't have to break the bank
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Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Jan 31, 2021
Analog activities that will get (and keep) you off your phone
We all know too much screen time is bad for us. So hit the off button and consider picking up one of these Japanese hobbies instead.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Nov 9, 2020
Cuushe: Music born from emotion
Dream pop musician Mayuko Hitotsuyanagi, aka Cuushe, on her upcoming album, “Waken,” and her musical inspiration.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Aug 30, 2020
How to kickstart — and keep up with — your fitness goals
Studies show that exercise improves mental and physical health, especially during isolation. Here's how to get on the path to overall well-being.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Aug 16, 2020
Digital groups help people aim for zero-waste lifestyles in Japan
Enacting change in daily life is key to reducing plastic waste. From easy tips to community cleanups, here's how you can get involved, too.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives
Aug 10, 2020
Indian student rallies friends to raise more than ¥500,000 for Foodbank Sendai
Trishit Banerjee felt he didn't need the aid he received for the pandemic, so he gave it back to the community.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Aug 8, 2020
Japan’s traditional shopping arcades struggle to remain relevant
Already facing stiff competition in the retail sector, shu014dtengai nationwide are rallying together with their local communities to battle sluggish sales amid the pandemic.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Jul 26, 2020
The Japanese balcony gets a rethink amid a pandemic
In Japan, the balcony is generally considered to be a utilitarian space but people are beginning to see the potential in this outdoor space.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Jul 12, 2020
New intimacy: COVID-19 offers a chance to take things slow
Online dating is a safer alternative for those looking for relationships during COVID-19. But that doesn't mean physical intimacy is on pause.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Music
Jun 19, 2020
FEM emerges from the darkness with a newfound light
Mayuko Hitotsuyanagi, the musician behind the electronia-moniker Cuushe, has a clear message with her new project, FEM: She's ready to raise her voice.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
May 31, 2020
Finding a slice of creativity during a global pandemic
Artists who've started to work from home have some tips for those of us with extra time on our hands: Boredom can lead to creative thinking, lean into it if you can
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
May 17, 2020
Life in your Japanese apartment doesn’t have to be a life sentence
Having trouble with working from home? Try delegating spaces and a few other tricks to maintain a work-life balance.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Apr 15, 2020
Immerse yourself in these top travel Instagram accounts
While on lockdown, Instagram gives us the chance to travel vicariously — to get lost in beautiful landscapes, to peer into destinations and gaze in wonder at the adventures that await once we are all free to explore the world again.

Longform

Traditional folk rituals like Mizudome-no-mai (dance to stop the rain) provide a sense of agency to a population that feels largely powerless in the face of the climate crisis.
As climate extremes intensify, Japan embraces ancient weather rituals