and Yoshito Hori, head of the Globis Group, look on at a March 2 event in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward promoting use of platforms known as manifestos in politics. PHOTO COURTESY OF WASEDA UNIVERSITY

In politics Japan style, white-gloved candidates clutch clusters of microphones and try loudly to imprint their names and faces, instead of policies, on voters' minds. Until now, they have spent lots of time bowing, shaking hands and shouting their names -- and giving short shrift to the issues.

LongForm

A store clerk tries to cool things down in front of their shop by spraying a hose.
Is extreme weather changing the way Japan shops?

Our Planet

A construction worker in Tokyo's Akasaka district on Aug. 21. With 886 cases, 54 of them fatal, during the period from 2019 to 2023, the construction industry leads Japan’s tally for occupational heatstroke.
Clocking off: Japan’s hotter summers put limit on outdoor work