Search - 2014

 
 
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Dec 10, 2016

Last splash: How long will the immodest Japanese tradition of mixed bathing continue?

The main reason that mixed baths have endured for so long is that communities have still supported them. When an onsen stops being a gathering place for locals, there's less to stop it slipping into disrepute.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / YEN FOR LIVING
Dec 10, 2016

Japan's humble school lunch: social leveler and sacred cow

Beyond the inculcation of good eating habits and an appreciation of wholesome food, Japan's school lunch program stresses the importance of community and helps children understand their responsibilities within the group.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 10, 2016

Ahead of Putin visit, Russia declines Japanese 'puppy-love diplomacy'

Russia appears to have snubbed a Japanese attempt at puppy-love diplomacy by declining a gift of a dog for President Vladimir Putin at a summit next week with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
BUSINESS / Companies
Dec 9, 2016

Sumitomo to acquire banana producer Fyffes for €751 million

Sumitomo Corp. agreed to buy Fyffes Plc for €751 million ($798 million) in cash, expanding the company's reach in the global fruit market and sending the Irish producer's shares soaring.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Dec 9, 2016

After air crash, Pakistan fights over legacy of 'disco mullah,' a rock star-turned-cleric

The death of Junaid Jamshed, a Pakistani rock star-turned-evangelist, in a plane crash on Wednesday has stirred debate over his legacy, raising questions that cut to the heart of Pakistan's widening cultural schisms.
WORLD
Dec 9, 2016

Islamic State retakes offensive, pushes near Palmyra, killing dozens of Syrian troops

The Islamic State group in Syria attacked the Syrian army near the city of Palmyra on Thursday, killing dozens of soldiers and advancing to within 4 km (2.5 miles) of the city, a war monitor said.
Japan Times
WORLD
Dec 9, 2016

Iraqi forces press deep, briefly take Mosul hospital before Islamic State 'ghosts' open gates of hell

Iraqi troops who briefly seized a Mosul hospital believed to be used as an Islamic State base were forced to withdraw from the site, but managed to establish a base for army tanks nearby after days of fierce back-and-forth fighting, residents said.
WORLD
Dec 8, 2016

British spy chief says IS plotting attacks as Russia makes 'desert' of Syria

Islamic State group militants in Syria are plotting attacks against the United Kingdom and her allies as Russia tries to destroy President Bashar Assad's opponents by making a desert out of the country, Britain's foreign intelligence chief said.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Dec 8, 2016

Supreme Court overturns ruling to suspend nighttime SDF flights at Atsugi air base

The court also denied the plaintiffs' call for compensation for future damages caused by noise pollution, but ordered the state to pay past damages.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 7, 2016

Japanese professor creates online archive documenting Pearl Harbor attack

On Dec. 7, 1941, Peter Willett was feeding his rabbits in the backyard of his house at Ford Island, which sits in the middle of Hawaii's Pearl Harbor.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 7, 2016

Abe defends policies as Renho launches scathing attack

The prime minister defends the controversial casino legalization bill as vital to increasing jobs and boosting the tourism industry.
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 6, 2016

Regions hop on casino bandwagon, but move blasted amid gambling addiction fears

As the Liberal Democratic Party and conservative opposition's Nippon Ishin no Kai rush to pass legislation to legalize casino gambling, regional governments from Hokkaido to Kyushu, which see it as a potential gold mine for local revenue and jobs, are making plans to host such facilities.
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 6, 2016

Thailand in 2016: The end of the Bhumibol era

Concerns over the future are running high in Thailand amid the change in monarchs.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Dec 6, 2016

Samsung's Lee in crosshairs as tycoons grilled over Park scandal

Jay Y. Lee, the de-facto head of Samsung Group, became the focus of a public grilling of tycoons in connection with a widening influence-peddling scandal that may cost South Korean President Park Geun-hye her job.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Dec 6, 2016

Trump's stimulus plan may give Japan a welcome tailwind in 2017

For now, the global winds are at Japan's back.
Japan Times
JAPAN / CHUBU CONNECTION
Dec 5, 2016

Police keep pressure on Nagoya nightlife district's 'freelancer' street touts

Shopping and entertainment districts in Chubu are seeing a jump in solicitation, including in Nishiki 3-chome (Kin-san), a bustling part of Nagoya's Naka Ward that is known as the liveliest downtown area in the region.
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 5, 2016

France and the 'right' to be spared from guilt

A French court is censoring a video that says Down syndrome children can be happy.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / DARK SIDE OF THE RISING SUN
Dec 3, 2016

Working harder to end death by overwork

"When you're in the office 20 hours a day, you don't understand what life you're living for anymore. (It's so pathetic) you come to laugh." — Twitter post by Matsuri Takahashi, as reported in the Mainichi Shimbun
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Crime & Legal
Dec 3, 2016

Thai activist becomes first to be arrested for defaming monarchy under new king

Thai police arrested an anti-junta activist on Saturday for defaming the monarchy in what rights groups said was the first case of lese-majeste brought under Thailand's new king.

Longform

Totopa in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward was picked by consultants TTNE as the best sauna of the year.
Japan’s sauna movement: Relax, refresh, repeat