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Japan's core inflation held above the Bank of Japan's 2% target in October, keeping pressure on the central bank to raise its still-low interest rates.
BUSINESS / Economy
Nov 22, 2024

Inflation held above BOJ target in October, supporting winter rate hike

Food companies raised the prices of 2,911 items, with processed food prices increasing by 3.8% while rice prices rose 60%.
Members of nonprofit organization Moyai Support Center for Independent Living give out food packs to people in need in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo in October.
JAPAN / Society
Nov 22, 2024

Nearly 30% of children from struggling families do not enjoy school

The figures came from a survey by Usnova, whose chief Koji Ogawa said, "Measures against child poverty are of utmost priority."
Shohei Ohtani celebrates after hitting a three-run home run against the Padres during the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles last month.
BASEBALL / MLB
Nov 22, 2024

Shohei Ohtani wins National League MVP award

Ohtani won an MVP award for the third time in four seasons.
Yuki Tsunoda arrives at the paddock on Thursday ahead of the first practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
MORE SPORTS / Auto Racing
Nov 22, 2024

Yuki Tsunoda interrogated in his pajamas on U.S. arrival

Tsunoda said the questioning lasted for several hours.
A rocket is launched from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to put an experimental space plane into orbit for the U.S. military. Washington is adopting a multipronged strategy to address security threats in space.
COMMENTARY / World / Geoeconomic Briefing
Nov 21, 2024

Biden’s track record in boosting U.S. space security

Japan needs to keep working with the U.S. to ensure growing threats from China and Russia in the space domain are met with the necessary security measures.
While some theorize that U.S. President Joe Biden's authorization for missile strikes in Russia is an attempt to "Trump-proof" U.S. policy but the more likely intent is responsible statecraft, providing the president-elect with a stronger hand in upcoming geopolitical dealings.
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 21, 2024

With U.S. missile approval, Trump inherits a stronger Ukraine

U.S. President Biden’s permission for Ukraine to use ATACMS was long overdue but by itself won’t make a decisive military difference.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes rushes with the ball during a game against the Bills on Sunday.
MORE SPORTS
Nov 22, 2024

NFL warns players of burglary rings targeting pro athletes

NBC News reported Wednesday that law enforcement is working to figure out whether an international crime syndicate is involved in recent burglaries.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks during a Liberal Democratic Party meeting on political reform on Thursday in Tokyo.
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 22, 2024

LDP approves proposal to ban political activities funds

The ruling party will look to revise the political funds control law by the end of this year.
The community pool is a great place for exercise and meeting your neighbors.
COMMUNITY / Voices / FOREIGN AGENDA
Jul 31, 2023

Figuring out the rules at a Japanese community pool can be an ongoing education

If you’re headed for the community pool, be prepared: Japanese pool rules are an ongoing education.
Director Hirobumi Watanabe (second from left) stars alongside his brother Yuji (far right), who has served as composer on all of his films, in his new feature “Techno Brothers,” which follows a sibling trio on the road to Tokyo to find success in the music business.
CULTURE / Film
Jul 21, 2023

Foolish Piggies Films keeps humor at its heart

Indie director Hirobumi Watanabe looks back on 10 years of making distinctive, micro-budget films with his brother and seeking out new challenges on and off screen.
A man stands atop a float holding a portable shrine at this year’s Sanja Festival in Tokyo.
PODCAST / deep dive
Jul 20, 2023

Why 2023 will be a deciding year for Japan’s iconic summer festivals

As the population gets older do we risk losing the summer festivals that make Japan unique?
Japan might change because of you or your actions, but it will not change for you.
COMMUNITY / Voices / Black Eye
Jun 19, 2023

A note to people of color interested in living in Japan

When asked about what life is like here for people of color, columnist Baye McNeil summed it up with a story about sitting on a crowded train.
Photo: Mount Fuji is shot from above so that you can see the trails leading to its summit.
PODCAST / deep dive
Jul 26, 2023

A tale of two Fujis: Bullet climbs, crowds and Lizzo

With the borders fully open, Mount Fuji is all booked up and Fuji Rock is back in full force. Drew Damron and Patrick St. Michel join us on the podcast to discuss Japan’s two favorite Fujis.
Cameron Lew, the 27-year-old behind the California-based music project Ginger Root, crafted a detailed city-pop-inspired universe with a 1980s idol storyline for last year’s “Nisemono” album.
CULTURE / Music
Jul 28, 2023

Ginger Root's modern spin on Showa nostalgia

The California-based project is set to bring its distinct interpretation of city pop to Fuji Rock Festival this weekend.
A major bonus of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme is the time it offers you to be able to plan for long-term goals. Writer Erik M. Jacobs was able to map out what he needed to pursue a career in U.S.-Japan relations, for example.
COMMUNITY / Issues / Learning Curve
Aug 8, 2023

Every situation is different on JET, but they're all similarly rewarding

As a new wave of JET Program participants arrives in the country, a program alumni shares tips on getting the most out of the experience.
Want a six-pack for the summer? Bryce Morel suggests starting now to look good for next year.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Jul 29, 2023

Bryce Morel: 'Get the healthiest version of yourself possible'

Trouble at the gym? Personal trainer Bryce Morel says ask for help; bodybuilders are nicer than you think.
A woman takes a picture of the poster for the new Hayao Miyazaki film, “The Boy and the Heron.”
PODCAST / deep dive
Aug 2, 2023

Hayao Miyazaki’s confusing new masterpiece

Our critics Thu-Huong Ha and Matt Schley discuss what they thought of the new Hayao Miyazaki film, “The Boy and the Heron.”
Akiko Mizuno says one positive thing about living on a relatively remote island is that you don’t need to spend a lot of money every day.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Aug 3, 2023

Akiko Mizuno: ‘Time moves forward. Photographs stop time.’

After years in New York City, Akiko Mizuno relocated to a small island in Okinawa Prefecture to concentrate on her long-term photography project.
Masae Yamanaka joins colleagues from Panasonic Connect to take part in the Tokyo Rainbow Pride parade in April.
BUSINESS / WOMEN AT WORK
Aug 3, 2023

How one woman's career in sales flourished across four companies

As she rose through sales in various companies, Masae Yamanaka stuck to her mother’s teachings: keep working, commit to actions.
Bobby Valentine managed in Japan for seven seasons with the Marines and won the 2005 Japan Series with the club.
BASEBALL / MLB
Aug 4, 2023

Bobby Valentine enjoying more relaxed time with Angels

Former Marines manager Bobby Valentine is viewing the game from a different perspective these days.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (right) sits next to digital minister Taro Kono while speaking at a government review meeting on the My Number national identification cards.
PODCAST / deep dive
Aug 10, 2023

Why is modernizing Japan so darn tough?

Reporter Gabriele Ninivaggi joins us to break down how Japan’s digitalization hiccups risk exposing how backward things are.
Tomohiko Sato (center) wrote a book titled "Yamakei Shinsho Tokyo Bon Odori Tengoku Odoru Meguru Tanoshimu" ("Tokyo Bon Dance Heaven").
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Aug 12, 2023

Tomohiko Sato: 'The only rule is to dance the way the locals do'

Tomohiko Sato may be Japan’s only “Bon-bassador,” and his love for the Bon dance makes him a true representative for this summer tradition.
Aoi Suzuki’s son runs past a home in Taketomi on Iriomote Island (not to be confused with Taketomi Island, which lies to the east of Iriomote). The Suzukis run the Takemori Inn, one of the few hotels on Iriomote.
LIFE / Travel / Longform
Aug 14, 2023

My annual pilgrimage to Okinawa

Navigating between different ferries can open up whole new worlds in Japan's southernmost islands.
Reliever Edwin Escobar has allowed just three runs in his last 16 appearances for the BayStars.
BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball
Aug 14, 2023

Hard-throwing Edwin Escobar keeping things simple with BayStars

Edwin Escobar is back to doing what he loves as the BayStars jostle for position in the Central League.
The color of a red torii gate in Bushidaira, Saitama Prefecture, still stands out against a vibrant green backdrop.
JAPAN / Society / Longform
Aug 18, 2023

Exploring the eerie beauty of Japan's abandoned villages

Depopulation and an aging society have turned parts of the countryside into tourist attractions for those eager to explore a forgotten era.
Alexis Ryoko Nishizawa (left) facilitates workshops for people with curly hair during which she shares the basics with attendees.
JAPAN / Society
Aug 20, 2023

In Japan, curly hair makes you stand out. This entrepreneur says 'embrace it.'

Nishizawa has become a go-to guide for people in Japan looking to tame and style their natural wavy, curly and coily hair.
U.S. sprinter Noah Lyles (right) beats the field to the finish line to win the 100-meter final at the world championships in Budapest on Sunday.
MORE SPORTS / Athletics
Aug 21, 2023

U.S. sprinter Noah Lyles eager to pick up baton Usain Bolt left behind

Noah Lyles is ready to take aim at Usain Bolt's 200-meter world record after winning the 100 at the word championships.
Great Britain's Josh Kerr celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the men's 1,500-meter final during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest on Thursday.
MORE SPORTS / Athletics
Aug 24, 2023

Josh Kerr upsets favorite Jakob Ingebrigtsen to win 1,500 at worlds

Kerr dug deep and used a strong finish to hold off the reigning Olympic champion.
A promotional poster for the film "Barbie" in Tokyo on Aug. 3
COMMENTARY / Japan
Aug 23, 2023

Why is the ‘Barbie’ movie bombing in Japanese theaters?

The fact that the movie's female empowerment theme won’t have a positive, lasting impact in Japan is a shame.
A woman stands on one side of the wall texting in front of a nightclub while, on the other side of the wall, a man works in an izakaya.
PODCAST / deep dive
Aug 24, 2023

One night out in Tokyo

As the last trains leave the central hubs of Shinjuku and Shibuya for the suburbs, much of the city heads home. However, Tokyo never sleeps.

Longform

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