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Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Dec 19, 2018

Passion and technology behind English sumo coverage

Sumo fans around the globe are spoiled for choice these days when it comes to following their favorite sport.
EDITORIALS
Dec 18, 2018

Patchwork steps in government's 2019 tax reform

Heavy fiscal measures to ease the impact of raising the consumption tax on households could raise doubts over the very purpose of the increase.
JAPAN
Dec 17, 2018

Hagoita paddles featuring big names from the Heisei Era on display in Tokyo

Traditional doll-maker Kyugetsu Co. opened a special exhibition in Tokyo on Monday featuring 30 kawari hagoita wooden paddles depicting standouts of the Heisei Era.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Regional voices: Chubu
Dec 17, 2018

Aichi temple priest leads double life as craftsman restoring clocks and record players

Saihoji Temple in Kota, Aichi Prefecture, is littered with handmade mechanical dolls, antique clocks and record players — presenting a unique sight for visitors.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Regional Voices: Fukushima
Dec 16, 2018

Fukushima launches multilingual emergency call service as number of foreign residents rebounds

The prefectural police and fire departments in Fukushima have started multilingual services aimed at non-Japanese speakers making emergency calls amid a rising number of foreign visitors in the run-up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Dec 14, 2018

A power spot, tucked away on the Shima Peninsula

Four or five years ago, standing alone in front of the clear, gently bubbling waters of Kiyomasa no Ido, a natural spring secreted in woodland at the far end of the Meiji Shrine's iris garden, I strained to detect any sound, but even the noise from car horns was smothered and muted by the grove. If I...
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Dec 12, 2018

Ticket sales brisk despite Takanoiwa scandal

Once again, sumo finds itself embroiled in a violence scandal.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Regional voices: Chubu
Dec 10, 2018

Japan sees rise in use of riverside areas to attract tourists following deregulation

The use of riverside areas to attract tourists is on the rise nationwide, following deregulation in recent years allowing the private sector to use the public land to open restaurants or hold events.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Regional Voices: Okinawa
Dec 7, 2018

Visitors wowed as Okinawa aquarium becomes world's first to exhibit giant oceanic manta ray

At the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, a giant oceanic manta ray can be seen gliding effortlessly through the Kuroshio Sea attraction's large ocean aquarium, drawing exclamations of delight from onlookers.
EDITORIALS
Dec 5, 2018

The Brexit debate takes shape

Failure to reach a deal with the EU, for whatever reason, would be a disaster for the U.K.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Dec 4, 2018

'Les Mains sans Sommeil': It's not what you do, it's the way you do it

'Les Mains Sans Sommeil' is an ode to handiwork by Hermes artists-in-residence, whose experimental textile works wrestle with beauty and desire in surprising ways.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Regional voices: Chubu
Dec 3, 2018

Iga, known for its ninja, looks to draw foreign tourists by turning castle town into a hotel site

The Mie Prefecture city of Iga, the origin of one of Japan's most famous ninja clans, plans to open the growing number of vacant homes in its castle town to tourists.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 2, 2018

Only American sedans are dead

The supremacy of Japanese cars has been 40-plus years in the making.
Japan Times
WORLD
Dec 1, 2018

Iran's global disinformation

Website Nile Net Online promises Egyptians "true news" from its offices in the heart of Cairo's Tahrir Square, "to expand the scope of freedom of expression in the Arab world."
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel / BACKSTREET STORIES
Nov 30, 2018

Taking a perch with the hip birds of Uguisudanicho

One of two places in Tokyo named after valleys favored by the melodious uguisu (Japanese bush warbler), Uguisudanicho is a small neighborhood wedged between Daikanyama, Ebisu and Shibuya straddling the line between old-school businesses and gentrification.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Nov 28, 2018

'Michael Kenna: A 45 Year Odyssey 1973-2018'

Dec. 1-Jan. 27
Japan Times
COMMUNITY
Nov 28, 2018

Second Harvest Japan: Helping those in need can make you feel like part of the community

Ahead of a fundraiser for the Tokyo-based food bank, CEO Charles McJilton explains why a 'food safety net' is a must for Japan.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan / japan since the Meiji Restoration
Nov 26, 2018

Drawing a 150-year story line

Beset by an aging, shrinking body, Japan must find the means of rebuilding its 'character' if it is to survive the challenges ahead.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Regional voices: Chubu
Nov 26, 2018

Japan's ancient castle walls drawing tourists but not enough masons to keep them up

Castle walls have recently become popular with tourists, especially rekijo (female history buffs) who like to view them even when the castle itself is no longer there.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / ON: GAMES
Nov 25, 2018

Just waiting for the comeback

'The Last Remnant' finally makes to PlayStation after an 11-year wait; 'Disaster Report 4' returns since 3/11; and 'Pokemon: Lets Go!' is set to bring 'Pokemon Go' fans into home-gaming.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / Japan Pulse
Nov 24, 2018

Kaparu's victory in 2018 mascot awards gives Saitama a reason to shine

The Yuru-kyara (Promotional Mascot) Grand Prix in Japan has become one of the internet’s most anticipated events of the year. The 2018 edition lived up to expectations, and even featured a little voting drama. In the end, the city of Shiki’s Kaparu captured the crown.
Japan Times
WORLD
Nov 23, 2018

Divided by war, young Israelis and Gazans tell their stories via Instagram

In another part of the world they might have gone to the same schools or be sharing WiFi in the same coffee shops.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan / japan since the Meiji Restoration
Nov 19, 2018

Reconjuring the vision of the Meiji Centennial

Japan has thus far succeeded in preserving its national character while fulfilling its growing responsibility toward the international community.
JAPAN
Nov 19, 2018

Last thing quake-prone Japan needed was the KYB data-rigging scandal

In disaster-prone Japan, earthquake resistance is vital to prevent buildings from collapsing when a powerful temblor hits, and builders and seismic reinforcement providers have repeatedly given assurances about the safety of their structures.

Longform

Visitors walk past Sou Fujimoto's Grand Ring, which has been recognized as the largest wooden structure in the world.
Can a World Expo still matter? Japan is about to find out.