Japan shuns U.S. to sign next-gen fighter plan with U.K., Italy
Japan, the U.K. and Italy have agreed to jointly develop next-generation fighter aircraft by 2035, the three countries announced on Friday, a collaborative effort that reflects the need to respond together to growing geopolitical threats from the likes of China and Russia. (Nikkei)
Japan billionaire Maezawa says K-pop star, 7 others to join Moon trip
Japanese billionaire entrepreneur Yusaku Maezawa said Friday K-pop artist Top and American DJ Steve Aoki will be among the eight crew members who will join him on a private space trip to orbit the Moon in 2023. (Kyodo)
Yakuza may be blocked from using all expressways in Japan within the decade
In 2011, the Japanese prefectural governments passed Organized Crime Exclusion Ordinances which prohibit companies from doing business with members of organized crime groups. (soranews24.com)
Park in Nagano to be closed following noise complaints from single household
A public park in Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, is set to be shut down this month following complaints about noise for years from a single household in the neighborhood. (NHK)
10 December 2022
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SOCIETY
22 prison officers inflict violence on inmates in central Japan
NHK - Dec 10
Japan's Justice Minister Saito Ken has said that 22 prison officers in central Japan had repeatedly assaulted inmates from November last year through August this year.
22 prison officers inflict violence on inmates in central Japan
NHK - Dec 10
Japan's Justice Minister Saito Ken has said that 22 prison officers in central Japan had repeatedly assaulted inmates from November last year through August this year.
Empress Masako turns 59; reflects on half a lifetime as royal
Japan Today - Dec 09
Empress Masako, on the occasion of her 59th birthday Friday, reflected on having spent exactly half of her life in the imperial family since marrying Emperor Naruhito in June 1993, saying she felt "deeply moved" by her years as royalty.
Yakuza may be blocked from using all expressways in Japan within the decade
soranews24.com - Dec 09
In 2011, the Japanese prefectural governments passed Organized Crime Exclusion Ordinances which prohibit companies from doing business with members of organized crime groups.
[more society news…]
BUSINESS
Shiba Inu (SHIB) to Be Listed by Major Japanese Exchange
u.today - Dec 10
Its listing is expected to take place in mid-February 2023. The exact date is yet to be announced.
What is blockchain technology in warehousing?
newsonjapan.com - Dec 09
Information sharing is facilitated by blockchain and is more transparent, secure, and accurate.
Egg prices in Tokyo on the rise
NHK - Dec 09
Egg prices are surging in Japan largely because the cost of feeding hens is too. Russia's invasion of Ukraine sent those prices rocketing, and the spread of bird flu in the country has made matters worse.
How to Buy Bitcoin?
newsonjapan.com - Dec 09
If you are thinking of buying bitcoin, then you must be a technology geek or a digital assets enthusiast.
[more business news…]
POLITICS
Eateries fraudulently received over Y500 million in pandemic subsidies
yomiuri.co.jp - Dec 10
Fraudulent claims for coronavirus pandemic-related subsidies worth more than Y500 million had been identified as of September, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.
Japan shuns U.S. to sign next-gen fighter plan with U.K., Italy
Nikkei - Dec 09
Japan, the U.K. and Italy have agreed to jointly develop next-generation fighter aircraft by 2035, the three countries announced on Friday, a collaborative effort that reflects the need to respond together to growing geopolitical threats from the likes of China and Russia.
Japan Lower House passes bill regulating religious donations
NHK - Dec 09
Japan's Lower House has passed a bill that would regulate religious donations, including those to the group formerly known as the Unification Church.
Japanese lawmakers debate bill on religious donations
- Dec 07
Japanese lawmakers have started debating a bill that would regulate donations to religious entities. They include the group formerly known as the Unification Church.
[more politics news…]
EDUCATION
Japanese research team discovers over 160 new Nazca Lines
NHK - Dec 09
A Japanese university team studying the Nazca Lines, a UNESCO world heritage site in Peru, says it has discovered 168 new geoglyphs.
Park in Nagano to be closed following noise complaints from single household
NHK - Dec 09
A public park in Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, is set to be shut down this month following complaints about noise for years from a single household in the neighborhood.
Survey: Popular baby names reflect parents' wish for calmness
NHK - Dec 06
A Japanese insurance company says its survey shows that parents are choosing baby names associated with peace and calm in the face of the coronavirus pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine.
Police arrest 3 former nursery school teachers for suspected child abuse
NHK - Dec 05
Police in central Japan have arrested three former nursery school teachers on suspicion of assault on young children at the school.
[more education news…]
ENTERTAINMENT
Anime Is a Mirror of Japanese Life, Here's How
BRIGHT SIDE - Dec 07
Anime is super popular around the world, and it actually has an educational function. It's very realistic and has many features that pertain to real life, giving insights into real Japanese culture.
Exploring the Fascinating Relationship Between Japanese Culture and Gambling
newsonjapan.com - Dec 07
The relationship between Japanese culture and gambling is one that has been explored and studied for centuries.
What Do You Know About Lesserafim Kazuha? - The Most Popular Japanese Rookie Kpop Idol
K-Stats - Dec 03
Lesserafim Kazuha, the Japanese rookie K-pop idol, is quickly becoming one of the most popular idols in the industry.
According to Anime: How to Keep Fit
Netflix Anime - Dec 03
Rilakkuma, Kaoru and friends try various methods to keep fit.
[more entertainment news…]
FOOD
Covid-convenient frozen food chosen as ‘dish of the year’ by Japanese research firm
South China Morning Post - Dec 10
Frozen food was selected as Japan’s “dish of the year” for 2022 by the Gurunavi Research Institute on December 6.
Day Trip to Hakone from Tokyo: Volcanic Valley, Black Eggs and Pirate Ships!
Japan by Food - Dec 05
One of the most popular destinations for a day trip from Tokyo, Hakone is a hot springs town full of beautiful views and tasty treats.
Behind the Counter at a Japanese Soba Izakaya Restaurant
Paolo fromTOKYO - Dec 03
Just a one minute walk from Shimbashi station, you’ll find a hidden local Japanese soba noodle shop, Sukehei.
How to Make Vegan Sushi | Healthy Japanese Food Recipe
Kimono Mom - Dec 03
Today we made Temari Sushi. It's easy to make with ingredients you can find anywhere in the world!
[more food news…]
TRAVEL
Illuminated 'blue pond' in Hokkaido attracts tourists
NHK - Dec 08
A dreamy, illuminated "blue pond" in Japan's northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido is attracting many tourists.
Tokyo subway plans first fare hike in 28 years as ridership falls
Nikkei - Dec 07
Tokyo Metro will raise subway fares for the first time in 28 years as urban train operators nationwide grapple with ridership declines caused by the pandemic and a subsequent population exodus from Japan's biggest cities.
12-Hour Overnight in Cheapest Class of Japan's New Sleeper Train | Ginga Express
travelgeek - Dec 05
This time, we are trying Japan's newest overnight train, West Express Ginga, which travels from Kyoto to Shingu in 12 hours. What is it like to sleep on reclining seats not beds on overnight train?
Japanese ritual dances earn spot on UNESCO list
NHK - Dec 01
UNESCO has decided to add a group of traditional Japanese dances performed across the country to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
[more travel news…]
FEATURED BLOGS
Dec 9
What it?s Like to Stay Overnight at Tokyo DisneySea

The Tokyo DisneySea Hotel Miracosta is currently the world's only hotel inside a Disney theme park. There are twelve international Disney parks and many more official and unofficial hotels. Still, the Miracosta is uniquely positioned inside the ti...

Dec 7
Awkward adult toy question at Don Quijote and other Japanese customer service gaffes [manga]

Just like in any profession, people sometimes make mistakes in the field of customer service, even in Japan.

Whether it's a mistake in protocol, a misunderstanding, or a mistake in the Japanese language, things can take an embarrassing turn when ...

Dec 5
Quick Guide to Souvenir Japanese Antiques
In a nation of craftsmen and perfectionists, it's no wonder that the quality of Japanese antiques is high. But there are plenty of small items you can get your hands on without spending your life savings. With simplicity at the core of Japanese de...
Dec 4
Why Gonpachi Nori-Temaki in Harajuku is a great Japanese restaurant for foreign tourists

Mr Sato reckons this hand-rolled sushi joint is perfect for international visitors.

In amongst the crepe stalls and youth-oriented sweets stores of Harajuku, it can be hard to find a place to eat good Japanese food. It's a problem Mr Sato has co...

Dec 4
One of Tokyo?s busiest subway lines is adding women-only cars

Policy seeks to protect female passengers from gropers.

There's a lot to like about Tokyo's trains and subways, which are clean, convenient, and reliable. That doesn't mean they're always a joy to ride, though. At rush hour, the trains are packe...

[more blogs…]