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Kathleen Benoza
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Mar 29, 2023
Japan's top diplomat set for first visit to China since 2019
As Tokyo presses for the release of a detained Japanese national, Yoshimasa Hayashi has set his sights on a visit to China in an effort to right foundering ties.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Mar 28, 2023
As ties crumble, Chinese spy law could see more Japanese citizens detained
Since China passed its counterespionage law in 2014, 17 Japanese nationals have been detained in the country for allegedly engaging in spy-related activities.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 24, 2023
Japan releases nation’s first guidelines for refugee status eligibility
The new document aims to organize criteria relating to how refugee status in Japan is determined, with the intention of increasing transparency and promoting confidence in the system.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 23, 2023
Japan's World Baseball Classic glory spurs fan frenzy at home
Official fan gear for Japan’s star players remains out of stock, with potential buyers reportedly having to wait months.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Mar 23, 2023
The cherry blossoms are here and business is blooming
Kathleen Benoza explains what's at stake during the hanami season, while Thu-Huong Ha and Alyssa I. Smith discuss the science, symbolism and culture of sakura in Japan.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Mar 22, 2023
Hay fever medicine in high demand amid high pollen count
Sales of hay fever-related items such as anti-inflammatory nasal drugs more than doubled to 210% of last year's figure in the week from Feb. 27.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy / FOCUS
Mar 15, 2023
Japan's economy to bloom as hanami season kicks off
Cherry blossom viewing is expected to bring an influx of revelers estimated to have a positive economic impact of ¥615.8 billion, one study has found.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 14, 2023
Tokyo sees another record early start to cherry blossom season
Cherry blossoms in the capital started blooming 10 days earlier than average, tying 2020 and 2021 for the earliest date since 1953, when data first began being collected.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Mar 13, 2023
Japan's sushi chains roll out defenses against 'sushi terrorism'
The new measures include cameras using artificial intelligence and changes to how food items are delivered to customers.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 13, 2023
Nobel-winning Japanese novelist Kenzaburo Oe dies at 88
Oe was regarded as one of Japan’s leading contemporary novelists and was the second Japanese person to win the literary award.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 9, 2023
Japan to extend domestic travel subsidy program beyond April
The program is aimed at bolstering the tourism industry's post-pandemic recovery.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 8, 2023
Thirteen people claim ownership of ¥10 million found in Hokkaido trash
With each claimant giving different reasons for why and how they lost the money, identifying the true owner has become a headache for the Hokkaido police.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Mar 3, 2023
Japan's Cabinet backs use of GPS trackers for defendants on bail
The legal amendments only apply to defendants who authorities fear may flee abroad, with the move influenced by the escape of former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Mar 2, 2023
Details emerge on teenage suspect in stabbing at Saitama school
Police arrested the 17-year-old on suspicion of attempted murder after he allegedly stabbed a 60-year-old teacher multiple times in the arms and stomach.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Mar 2, 2023
Japanese firms aim to improve employee productivity with 'hay fever allowance'
Rather than leave workers to tolerate symptoms with over-the-counter medication, the system tries to ease access to professional help for those who need it.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Mar 1, 2023
Early detection of postpartum depression? Japanese researchers may have found a way.
Currently, there are no available tests that aid with the prediction of postpartum depression.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Feb 28, 2023
Nippon Ham's plant-based seafood is first for major Japanese food manufacturer
Amid growing demand for marine resources, the company has developed a fried fish product resembling whitefish and a popcorn shrimp product mimicking real shrimp.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Feb 27, 2023
Japan moves toward approving abortion pill in major shift
Currently, surgery is the only option available to terminate a pregnancy in Japan.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 20, 2023
Leiji Matsumoto, famed for 'Space Battleship Yamato' anime, dies at 85
The manga artist, also known for the series “Galaxy Express 999,” died of acute heart failure at a Tokyo hospital on Feb. 13, his company announced.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 17, 2023
Japan to offer insurance certificates to those without integrated My Number card
Those who haven't merged their My Number and health insurance cards can apply for the free certificate, or continue using the insurance card for one more year.

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