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Naoshi Hirata (center), chairman of a committee tasked with evaluating the risk of a Nankai Trough earthquake, speaks at a news conference in Tokyo on Friday.
JAPAN / Explainer
Aug 9, 2024

Japan issued its first-ever megaquake alert. What does that mean?

How serious is the situation, and what should people do in the days to come? Here’s what you need to know.
A Goku balloon from the “Dragon Ball” anime series takes part in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan in November 2018. Japan’s creative industries are under threat as AI tools make it easy to mimic anime, manga and other forms of the nation’s artistic output.
COMMENTARY
Aug 9, 2024

Japan’s soft AI stance is betraying its anime artists

From Studio Ghibli to Pokemon, the country’s creatives have driven its influence and must be protected.
A nature experience program at the Global Mizuiku Summit in Vietnam.
ESG CONSORTIUM
Aug 12, 2024

Suntory nurtures water, forests and future generations

Just like Suntory Holdings says in its corporate philosophy, “To inspire the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature,” the company contributes to the enrichment of people’s lives beyond merely selling food and beverages globally. Although responsive to...
Sociologist Gracia Liu-Farrer argues that even though immigration doesn't figure into Japan's autobiography, it is more of a self-perception than a reality.
COMMUNITY / Issues / Longform
Aug 9, 2024

In search of the ‘Japanese dream’

You've likely heard of the American dream. In Japan, where no such concept exists, immigrants forge their own ideals.
Workers remove debris from a damaged house in the city of Miyazaki on Thursday following a major earthquake.
JAPAN / Society
Aug 9, 2024

Nankai Trough megaquake concerns become 'real' among locals

Some Kyushu residents are starting to worry about their safety and are taking extra precautions.
Aerial view of the wreckage of an airplane that crashed with 61 people on board in Vinhedo, Sao Paulo State, Brazil, on Friday.
WORLD
Aug 10, 2024

Brazilian plane spins before crashing, killing all 61 on board

Regional carrier Voepass said the plane, bound for Sao Paulo's international airport, crashed at around 1:30 p.m. in the town of Vinhedo.
Ukrainian service members ride an infantry fighting vehicle near the Russian border in Sumy region, Ukraine, on Friday.
WORLD / Politics
Aug 10, 2024

As Ukraine pushes deeper into Russia, Moscow sends reinforcements

The flurry of movement underscored the extent to which Ukraine’s attack had introduced an unpredictable new element into the war.
A new white paper is set to mention that the number of outpatients with mental illnesses such as depression, adjustment disorder and eating disorder, totaled about 5.86 million in 2020, while noting that stressors are diversifying, ranging from online abuse, work, child rearing and caregiving.
JAPAN / Science & Health
Aug 10, 2024

Japan report to show mental health concerns tripled since 2004

According to an outline of the 2024 white paper, the ministry will point out that it is important to face up to mental health at all life stages.
The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company facility in Phoenix. The tech giant modeled its facility in Phoenix on one at home. But bringing the company's highly complex manufacturing process to America has been a bigger challenge than it expected.
BUSINESS / Companies
Aug 10, 2024

What works in Taiwan doesn’t always work in Arizona, a chipmaking giant learns

Bringing TSMC's highly complex manufacturing process to America has been a bigger challenge than it expected.
Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced people in the Gaza Strip on Saturday.
WORLD
Aug 10, 2024

Israel airstrike on Gaza school kills more than 100, Hamas-run media office says

The strike came as mediators were pushing to resume cease-fire talks. Israel said it targeted a Hamas command center.
Hamas named Yahya Sinwar as new political leader earlier this month.
WORLD / Politics
Aug 10, 2024

Israel's hunt for Hamas' elusive new chief Sinwar

Israeli commanders believe Sinwar, 61, is hiding in a labyrinthine maze of tunnels that Hamas has built under the Gaza Strip over the years.
Gold medalist Imane Khelif of Algeria kisses her medal.
OLYMPICS / Boxing
Aug 10, 2024

Algeria's Khelif delights newfound devotees with statement win at Paris Games

Khelif is the first Algerian woman to earn an Olympic boxing title and the first from her country to claim gold since Hocine Soltani at Atlanta 1996.
Gold medalist Sakura Motoki during the medal ceremony for the Olympic women's 62-kg freestyle event at Champs de Mars Arena in Paris on Saturday.
OLYMPICS / Wrestling
Aug 11, 2024

Sakura Motoki adds to Japan's wrestling gold rush in Paris

Her victory against Ukrainian Iryna Koliadenko in the 62-kg final extended Japan's big lead in the wrestling medal table.
“Ghost Cat Anzu” centers on an 11-year-old girl who travels to hell and back with a walking, talking, moped-driving, human-sized cat.
CULTURE / Film / Wide Angle
Aug 11, 2024

Two hidden gems hint at a path to more diversity in anime

“Ghost Cat Anzu" and “A Few Moments of Cheers” stand out from blockbuster hits by finding creative partners abroad and embracing techniques old and new.
Canada's Phil Wizard, whose real name is Philip Kim, competes in the men's breaking competition at the Paris Olympics on Saturday.
OLYMPICS / Breaking
Aug 11, 2024

Canadian B-boy Phil Wizard wins first men's Olympic breaking gold

Phil Wizard, whose real name is Philip Kim, beat French B-boy Dany Dann in the final as Japan's Shigekix finished fourth.
Displaced Palestinians watch as first responders prepare to transport the bodies of people killed in an Israeli strike on a school in Gaza City on Saturday.
WORLD
Aug 11, 2024

Israel criticized after strike kills scores in Gaza

The Israeli military acknowledged the attack but said Hamas and another armed Palestinian group were using the facility for military operations and attacks on Israel.
Ukrainian servicemen drive an infantry vehicle near the Russian border in the Sumy region on Saturday.
WORLD
Aug 11, 2024

Russia pushes back at Ukraine’s cross-border assault, but Kyiv presses on

The assault surprised both Moscow and Washington, as well as other Western partners and analysts who follow the war’s troop movements.
Ami competes in the women's breaking competition at the Paris Olympics on Friday.
OLYMPICS / Breaking
Aug 11, 2024

Is breaking a sport? Even among competitors, the answer depends on who you ask.

There was not even consensus from the B-girls — though all agreed that it belongs in the Olympics.
Palestinians survey the damage after an Israeli strike on a school where people were sheltering on Saturday in Gaza City.
WORLD
Aug 11, 2024

Israeli strikes on schools pose a life-or-death choice for civilians

Missile attacks on school grounds appear to reflect a shift in the Israeli military's strategy for driving Hamas out of Gaza.
And Instagram page posts about information about the members of the now-defunct Imperial Japanese military's suicide attack units during World War II. The screen-grab image was provided by a Tokyo-based group that aims to hold memorials for deceased members of the units.
JAPAN
Aug 11, 2024

Tokyo group begins Instagram posts on WWII suicide attack units

The public interest group was established in order to hold memorials for deceased members of the units and to pass down their stories to a new generation.
Although markets can promote economic efficiency under the right conditions, there is no “invisible hand” to deliver solidarity, agency, material sufficiency and environmental sustainability.
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 11, 2024

A new worldview for troubled times

The problem is not that humans are predominantly ignorant or evil. Most people abhor social discord, abject poverty and environmental destruction.
A man makes his way along an earthquake-damaged street in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, in January. With last week's tremors in Kyushu and the nature of the Nankai Trough, some experts believe that the omens of a disaster can be seen.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Aug 11, 2024

Japan is living in the shadow of the megaquake

People tend to view the quake threat in the abstract. It’s kind of like thinking about death — I know I’ll die someday, but I hope it won’t be today.
High water levels in the Nagauchi River in the city of Kuji, Iwate Prefecture, on Monday 
JAPAN
Aug 12, 2024

Tohoku on alert as Tropical Storm Maria moves over region

Level 5 is the highest alert level, indicating a life-threatening situation and that residents should take immediate action to protect their lives.
Brittney Griner (left) celebrates with teammates after the U.S. won gold in the women's Olympic basketball competition in Paris on Sunday.
OLYMPICS / Basketball
Aug 12, 2024

Brittney Griner says Olympic gold ‘means everything’

Griner, who was imprisoned in Russia for nine months in 2022, didn't try to hold back the tears as she stood with her U.S. teammates after winning Olympic gold.
Ukrainian service members pose for a picture as they repair a military vehicle near the Russian border in Sumy region, Ukraine, on Sunday.
WORLD
Aug 12, 2024

Ukraine's shock Kursk attack was to pressure Russia, Zelenskyy says

Ukraine's largest incursion into Russian territory since the start of the war has left southwestern parts of Russia vulnerable.
Fireworks during the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on Sunday
OLYMPICS
Aug 12, 2024

The Olympics, a triumph of ambition, lift France from its gloom

France came into the Games shaken by a political impasse. It will exit with those problems unsolved but with a new self-confidence.
Protesters countering the far right gather in London on Saturday.
WORLD / Politics
Aug 12, 2024

White supremacists turn U.K. riots into online recruiting pitch

Using messaging app Telegram and social media platform X, they promote conspiracy theories and incite violence in their bid to lure new members.
Officials of the transport ministry speak to a driver suspected of engaging in illegal taxi operations at a tourist spot in Shirakawa, Gifu Prefecture.
JAPAN / Society / Regional voices: Chubu
Aug 12, 2024

Gifu struggles to crack down on illegal cabs at tourist hot spots

Cashless payments make it hard to catch such drivers in the act and some are worried they may be mistaken for a legal ride-hailing service.
There are now more than a dozen apps aimed at helping users keep tabs on their individual emissions.
ENVIRONMENT / Climate change
Aug 12, 2024

Steps, calories … CO2? Emissions-tracking apps are on the rise

Carbon-tracking services walk a fine line between highlighting purchase emissions and suggesting individuals alone can solve the problem of climate change.
Hindus block the streets as they protest against violence in their community in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Saturday.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Aug 12, 2024

Bangladesh government is working to 'resolve' attacks on minorities

After Sheikh Hasina's abrupt resignation and flight abroad, there were numerous reports of attacks against Hindu households, temples and businesses.

Longform

A man offers prayers at Hebikubo Shrine in Tokyo's Shinagawa Ward. The shrine is one of several across the country dedicated to the snake.
Shed your skin and reinvent yourself in the Year of the Snake