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Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / Destination Restaurants 2021
Jan 16, 2022

Every meal at Mekumi feels like an education

When it comes to sushi, what happens before the chef gets hold of the fish is just as important as his or her technique in preparing it.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Mar 24, 2021

When vaccination is a 'crime'

It is not difficult to think of something better than throwing away potentially life-saving vaccines.
JAPAN / Society / 2020 in Review
Dec 19, 2020

Anxiety over coronavirus in 2020 spurs unprecedented societal change in Japan. Will it last?

For many in Japan, 2020 has been a year hijacked by uncertainty, a tumultuous period spent improvising and adapting to an unfamiliar way of life.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jul 8, 2020

The world’s cruise ships can’t sail. Now, what to do with them?

Hundreds of people lined the banks of Glasgow’s River Clyde a few weeks ago for the rare sight of a small, high-end cruise ship sailing upriver — practically into the heart of the city. The Azamara Journey thrilled socially distanced onlookers by blasting its horn, typically a heralding of lively...
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 27, 2020

When to wear a mask and when you can skip it

With the guidance on masks during the pandemic having been conflicting, it's no wonder some people are confused.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Mar 6, 2020

COVID-19 domino effect: South Korea tech firms reel as Vietnam links curbed

For one South Korean multinational company that makes smartphone components used by Apple Inc. and LG Electronics Inc., the coronavirus epidemic is dealing blow after blow.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / JAPAN LITE
Jan 27, 2020

There's a case for climate concern but not everyone in Japan is ready to go the extra mile

The people living on Shiraishi Island are already recycling, composting and reusing their plastic bags. How do we convince them to take the next step in environmental awareness?
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / B. League
Dec 29, 2019

Sunrockers dominate Diamond Dolphins through full-squad effort

All 12 Sunrockers Shibuya players who dressed for Sunday's home game against the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins had a hand in the team's first-half scoring.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel / BACKSTREET STORIES
Dec 7, 2019

A last triumph of autumn in rain-soaked Kokubunji

A dreary drizzle of rain falls on the November day I've set aside for walking out along the Kokubunji gaisen (cliff line) in western Tokyo. Despite the weather, my hope is to catch some late autumn colors, so I yank on my trusty rubber birdwatching boots and head out west on the Chuo Line.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / B. League
Oct 6, 2019

Defending champions Alvark win second straight to open season

The Alvark Tokyo improved to 2-0 on the new season with a hard-earned 94-84 victory over the visiting Niigata Albirex BB on Sunday afternoon.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / JAPAN LITE
May 29, 2019

One woman's story illustrates the bittersweet charm of life in the Seto Island Sea

Mitsuko Amano was born in year 19 of the Showa Era (1944). World War II was still a year away from ending, and at the time nearly 2,000 people made their living on Shiraishi (White Stone) Island, the place she called home in the Seto Inland Sea.
SOCCER / From the Spot
Apr 17, 2019

Young F. Marinos players given opportunities to shine

Decades of history. A well-stocked (if slightly dusty) trophy cabinet. A distinguished list of former players considered amongst the best in Japanese soccer's history. Backing from one of the world's most powerful ownership groups in the form of City Football Group, to say nothing of majority owner Nissan....
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / B. League
Mar 2, 2019

Kosuke Ishii ignites high-flying Jets

Chiba Jets Funabashi perimeter marksman Kosuke Ishii had the hot hand early in Saturday's contest.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Deep Dive
Jul 26, 2018

Dining out in Tokyo in the age of gastro-tourism

Tokyo: It's the world's greatest dining city. Twenty years ago this assertion — one I delighted in dropping into conversations whenever possible — would have been met with bemusement if not ridicule, especially among the gourmets of Paris or New York. These days, few seriously dispute it. In terms...
Japan Times
CULTURE / Stage
Jun 6, 2018

Navigating our way through Broadway's biggest night

The 72nd annual Tony Awards are being presented at New York City's storied Radio City Music Hall on June 11 (8 a.m. Japan time), but that doesn't mean those of us in Japan have to miss out.
BASKETBALL / B. League
Oct 15, 2017

Pavicevic's plans come together as Alvark rout B-Corsairs

The Alvark Tokyo are starting to hit their stride. And with six games in the books, new coach Luka Pavicevic's vision for the team is starting to take shape.
BASKETBALL / B. League
Oct 14, 2017

Chiba's defenders clamp down on Tochigi in pivotal fourth quarter

The defending champion Tochigi Brex fell to 2-3 to open the new season, losing 76-70 to the visiting Chiba Jets on Saturday afternoon.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / B. League
May 6, 2017

Jets throttle Levanga for eighth straight win

The Chiba Jets cruised past the Levanga Hokkaido on Saturday, producing a 77-60 triumph for their eighth consecutive victory.
BASKETBALL / B. League
Apr 29, 2017

Jets force Brex to keep East Division title champagne on ice

Fumio Nishimura and Tyler Stone sparked the Chiba Jets in the decisive fourth quarter on Saturday with a combined 18 points (nine apiece), and the visitors finished strong to earn an 84-77 victory over the Tochigi Brex.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel / BACKSTREET STORIES
Mar 25, 2017

More than fare trade: backstreet by taxi

A combination of rain showers and tax prep in March signal Tokyo's segue into spring.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / B. League
Feb 18, 2017

Evessa rally past Brave Thunders in fourth quarter, snap four-game losing streak

The Osaka Evessa trailed by nine points entering the fourth quarter against the B. League powerhouse Kawasaki Brave Thunders on Saturday.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / B. League
Dec 11, 2016

Evessa start from scratch to beat Sunrockers

After a 25-point setback in the series opener, the Osaka Evessa went back to the drawing board before Sunday's rematch.
Japan Times
CULTURE
Jun 23, 2016

In search of Japan's essential summer festivals

With July just around the corner, Japan is gearing up for another sultry summer. Since the sizzling-hot days only last until early September, people make the most of the season by getting outside — that includes going to film festivals, art and fashion events or outdoor musical gatherings.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
May 16, 2015

Toyota tops Hitachi for 26th straight victory

With exceptional versatility, a player like him is often dubbed a Mr. Everything.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / BJ-LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
Apr 30, 2015

Sixteen teams ready to battle for title in expanded playoffs

The playoff format was expanded to 16 teams for the bj-league's 10th season.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / LEARNING CURVE
Mar 1, 2015

Four years on, Tohoku towns still waiting for schools, homes, answers

While cooped-up kids need places to play, exhausted residents could do with support from more teachers and caregivers.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
May 13, 2014

Pachinko parlors face taxing times

Moves toward legalizing casinos in Japan have reignited a debate over the legal status of pachinko, with a potential new tax mooted for a $200 billion gaming industry that has existed for decades on the fringes of the law.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / EVERYMAN EATS
Feb 25, 2014

Prize-winning local dishes are the real taste of Japan

With memories of the Winter Olympics still fresh and with the Academy Awards just around the corner, Japanese food lovers are saluting some medalists of their own — prize-winning dishes from cooking competitions, public opinion polls and government surveys around the country. Here's a guide to some...
Japan Times
LIFE / Japan Showcase / GREAT TAMBA AREA
Feb 7, 2014

Walking in the steps of samurai

There is no embellished castle tower to keep watch over Sasayama, a city ringed by the mountains of central HyogoPrefecture. Only thick stone walls mark the site where an early 17th-century fortress stood. Even in those days, the castle keep was a relatively unimpressive construction when compared to...

Longform

Professional cleaner Hirofumi Sakurai takes a moment to appreciate some photographs in a Gotanda apartment whose occupant died alone. 
The last cleanup: Life and death in a lonely Japan