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Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / MEDIA MIX
Jul 20, 2019

Citizen campaigns seek to increase voter turnout in Upper House election

Thanks to Japan's fairness guidelines, NHK offers free air time to all political parties participating in national and regional elections, a service that earlier this month resulted in the leader of the Party to Protect Citizens From NHK, which advocates the elimination of NHK's mandatory viewing fees,...
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / KONBINI WATCH
Jul 20, 2019

Gear up for summer with three new sweets from Seven-Eleven

Seven-Eleven is on a hot streak with its new watermelon ice bar, double cheesecake and tapioca milk tea jelly.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jul 20, 2019

China-backed Dara Sakor project in Cambodia rings alarm bells in Washington

Along pristine Cambodian beaches, past parades of elephants in its largest national park, sits an area half the size of Singapore that is raising alarm bells among military strategists in the U.S. and beyond.
Japan Times
Rugby
Jul 20, 2019

Cheer song 'Daenzakura' unites players and fans

Music and sports are completely different fields. There are many situations, however, where their paths cross. Often it's music and songs that help cheer up fans and teams and allow supporters to develop strong bonds with the players and each other.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Regional Voices: Fukushima
Jul 19, 2019

Growing foreign resident population in Fukushima Prefecture now numbers more than 14,000, says new report

Reflecting a nationwide trend of an increasing number of foreign residents in Japan, Fukushima Prefecture is also seeing its foreign community expand.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Regional voices: Chubu
Jul 19, 2019

Better known as a manufacturing center, Chubu region is turning its talents to nurturing startups

The Chubu region, with Nagoya at its center, has never been known as a land of startups. Although the area is recognized as one of the nation's largest manufacturing hubs, few IT startups have been established and many students in the region tend to prefer joining big companies to becoming entrepreneurs....
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jul 19, 2019

In Akita, close Upper House race serves as symbol for fierce battle between ruling and opposition camps

The campaign office of the Liberal Democratic Party's Matsuji Nakaizumi, an incumbent running in Sunday's Upper House election, features something rather unusual: Dozens of endorsement posters signed by top party heavyweights.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jul 18, 2019

Remembering the role Japan played in the Forgotten War

For Japanese and South Koreans, this anniversary ought to present a reminder that back-and-forth erosion of trust is in neither of their self-interests.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel / HOTELS & RESTAURANTS
Jul 18, 2019

Various summer delicacies to choose from

Grand Hyatt Tokyo is pleased to introduce its new summer menus, perfect for enjoying indoors or on the hotel's spacious open-air terraces.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Jul 17, 2019

J. League embraces discussion of controversy

Knowledge is not always power, but a little communication can go a long way.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Jul 16, 2019

'Insects: Models for Design'

July 19-Nov. 4
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jul 16, 2019

A vision for protecting the world's oceans

The Group of 20's adoption of the Osaka Blue Ocean Vision is a welcome step forward, but effective follow-up is the only way it will make a real difference.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Jul 16, 2019

Forget Fido, cuddly 'Lovot' promises to be high-tech pet replacement

Experience life with an endearing, big-eyed robot with lifelike features — including artificial body temperature and affectionate personality — that is being marketed as an alternative to pet ownership in Japan.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Jul 16, 2019

Nissan releases hybrid version of Skyline as part of effort to recover from scandals

Nissan Motor Co. on Tuesday unveiled a new version of its Skyline sports sedan, adding the carmaker's most advanced autonomous driving technology, as well as design elements shared with models like the GT-R sports coupe.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: TECH
Jul 14, 2019

Small changes for big differences

New ways to take photos, shop online and get toothpicks.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jul 14, 2019

Ready-to-drink baby formula enjoying strong sales across Japan

Liquid baby formula has been enjoying strong sales in Japan since it hit the shelves in March, according to the companies selling it.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle / Kateigaho International Japan Edition
Jul 13, 2019

Ryo: Traditional uchiwa fans say 'summer'

There's no doubt about it — a colorful yukata (light cotton kimono) accessorized with a flat uchiwa fan says “summer.”
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / KANPAI CULTURE
Jul 13, 2019

Yamagata sake shines on the international stage

On a recent balmy evening, representatives from nine sake breweries in Yamagata Prefecture, clad in understated kimono, bow modestly onstage amid the glow of pink and lavender lights. The bling-drenched ballroom also boasts gold-covered walls and a bold red carpet adorned with a dizzying pattern of colorful...
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / DESSERT WATCH
Jul 13, 2019

Mister Donut's Roll-nut: A perplexing doughnut and roll cake fusion

Mister Donut and patisserie Mon Cher combine their signature doughnut and roll cake to create a new frankensweet: the Roll-nut.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / B. League / B. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
Jul 11, 2019

Fourth season set to commence Oct. 3

The first three seasons in league history zoomed by — or so it seemed — in the blink of an eye, with new stars emerging before our eyes and dominant teams and individuals producing many unforgettable moments and games.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel / HOTELS & RESTAURANTS
Jul 11, 2019

Fruity sweets painted with a summer palette

From July 20 to Sept. 30, the ANA InterContinental Tokyo invites guests to taste summer with a wide selection of tantalizing sweets.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Jul 10, 2019

Episode 19: Why is Japan whaling again?

Whalers are delighted by the policy shift, but many around the world have been left outraged and confused as to why Japan is so keen to continue its hunts. Staff writer Sakura Murakami joins Oscar Boyd to discuss.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Entertainment news
Jul 10, 2019

Johnny Kitagawa: The mogul who defined and controlled Japan's entertainment industry

Few in the history of Japan's entertainment industry have wielded more power than talent manager Johnny Kitagawa.
Japan Times
SUMO
Jul 8, 2019

Sumo 101: Charismatic rikishi

One of sumo's most defining features is the stoicism of its wrestlers.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Jul 6, 2019

Cosplay conquers the world

The art of dressing up as characters from anime, manga, video games or TV shows has evolved into a global phenomenon.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Jul 6, 2019

Upscale summer dessert: The best gelato spots in Tokyo

Japan's capital abounds with top-notch gelato spots to satisfy any sweet tooth. Just in time for summer, here's The Japan Times' guide on where to find the best scoops in the city.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / KONBINI WATCH
Jul 6, 2019

Convenience store stars for July: Cream puffs, doughnuts and iced soda floats

Green tea, lemon and Makoto Shinkai's film 'Weathering With You'-themed fruit-flavored soda drinks all hit convenience stores shelves this month.

Longform

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