Japan tries a new tactic as virus surges: public shaming
As Japan strains to control its galloping coronavirus outbreak, and to keep an Olympic bubble from bursting in the final days of the Games, the government is trying a new tactic: public shaming. (seattletimes.com)
Female macaque takes over as alpha of Japanese reserve
In a rarely seen phenomenon in the simian world, a nine-year-old female known as Yakei has become the boss of a 677-strong troop of Japanese macaque monkeys at a nature reserve on the island of Kyushu in Japan. (taipeitimes.com)
Men's bar brings second gold for Hashimoto
In the final Olympic men's gymnastics contest, the host nation's Hashimoto Daiki took his second gold of the Games. (NHK)
Belarus sprinter: Punishment awaits her at home
A Belarusian sprinter who refused to return home from the Tokyo Olympics has told the Associated Press that officials from her country made it clear that she would face punishment if she did so. (NHK)
04 August 2021
All Japan Tours
Japan Weather
TOKYO OLYMPICS
SOCIETY
Japan showcases culture amid COVID-19 pandemic
CNA - Aug 03
The Tokyo Olympics is not just about watching the best of the best compete. Organisers are also using the platform to showcase Japan's culture, but the COVID-19 pandemic has forced them to scale down the festivities.
Adventures in a Japanese convenience store during the Tokyo Olympics
USA TODAY - Aug 03
Olympic reporters have limited food options because of a 14-day quarantine. The convenience store in the media center has many exciting options.
Princess Mako's fiance-to-be to work in New York
NHK - Jul 31
NHK has learned that the man whose engagement with Japan's Princess Mako was postponed is to start his law career in the US state of New York.
5-yr-old boy dies after being left unattended in school bus for hours
Kyodo - Jul 30
A five-year-old boy died Thursday after being left behind in a school bus for hours on a hot summer day in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Fukuoka, police said.
[more society news…]
BUSINESS
Japan's food exports hit record high in Jan.-Jun.
NHK - Aug 04
Japan's food exports soared in the first half of the year as the economies of trading partners like the US and China continued to recover. The export figure for the January-to-June period hit a record high.
Restaurant chains tap home-bound demand
NHK - Aug 03
As COVID infection cases continue to rise in Japan, ever more diners are opting for takeout or delivery to keep the infection risk to a minimum. And dining chains are wasting no time catering to the growing demand.
‘Anti-Aging Freak’ Makes $817 Million Fortune in Hot Japan Stock
yahoo.com - Aug 03
Kiyoshi Matsuura was so worried about growing old that he started using an anti-baldness treatment as a teenager.
How the World's Largest Furniture Retailer Squeezes into Shinjuku
Life in Japan - Jul 31
IKEA is the largest furniture retailer in the world, so how does this behemoth company squeeze into Shinjuku, one of the tightest downtown areas in the world?
[more business news…]
POLITICS
Japan tries a new tactic as virus surges: public shaming
seattletimes.com - Aug 04
As Japan strains to control its galloping coronavirus outbreak, and to keep an Olympic bubble from bursting in the final days of the Games, the government is trying a new tactic: public shaming.
Suga calls for COVID treatment at home
NHK - Aug 04
Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide has asked for support from medical professionals in providing medical care to COVID-19 patients asked to recuperate at home.
Motegi stresses importance of ties with ASEAN
NHK - Aug 04
Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu has stressed the importance of working with Southeast Asian countries to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Belarus sprinter: Punishment awaits her at home
NHK - Aug 04
A Belarusian sprinter who refused to return home from the Tokyo Olympics has told the Associated Press that officials from her country made it clear that she would face punishment if she did so.
[more politics news…]
EDUCATION
Egg roll | Sweet or Savory
Kimono Mom - Aug 02
Do you know there are several types of taste Egg roll? Today, we’re going to make sweet one using sugar and savory one using Dashi.
Japanese life expectancy at all-time high
NHK - Jul 31
The average life expectancy in Japan reached record highs for both men and women last year.
Japan bets on $90bn fund as universities lose ground to West
Nikkein - Jul 30
As Japanese universities fall further in global rankings, the government is launching a new 10 trillion yen ($91 billion) endowment fund designed to help them better compete with top institutions around the world.
'Kotodama': the belief in the magic power of words
Japan Today - Jul 30
Kotodama (言霊) refers to the belief that words have mystical powers. It combines the word for "speech" (言 koto) and the word for "soul"(霊 tama).
[more education news…]
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Female macaque takes over as alpha of Japanese reserve
taipeitimes.com - Aug 04
In a rarely seen phenomenon in the simian world, a nine-year-old female known as Yakei has become the boss of a 677-strong troop of Japanese macaque monkeys at a nature reserve on the island of Kyushu in Japan.
Itochu's 'blue' ammonia to power Japan's green future
Nikkei - Aug 03
Japanese trading house Itochu is set to begin commercial production of ammonia in Canada in 2026 at what is slated to be one of the world's largest manufacturing facilities for the clean-burning fuel.
From cardboard beds to plastic podiums, Tokyo 2020 introduces innovative, sustainable Olympics
ARIRANG NEWS - Aug 03
We're now half way through Tokyo 2020, and the organizers have done what they can to make it green and sustainable.
Japanese private rocket launched successfully
Japan Times - Aug 02
OBIHIRO, HOKKAIDO – A startup in Hokkaido successfully launched a small rocket Saturday.
[more sci-tech news…]
SPORTS
Men's bar brings second gold for Hashimoto
NHK - Aug 04
In the final Olympic men's gymnastics contest, the host nation's Hashimoto Daiki took his second gold of the Games.
IOC calls for all-out anti-infection measures
NHK - Aug 03
The International Olympic Committee has released a statement outlining the specifics of the expanded coronavirus state of emergency that came into effect in some areas in Japan on Monday.
Japan Has Made One of the Greatest Comebacks in Volleyball History
Titans Volleyball - Aug 03
Japan are on two victories after their come from behind 3-2 (22-25, 23-25, 25-22, 25-17, 15-8) triumph against the Netherlands on Saturday. Ran Takahashi scored 26 points in the winning effort.
Japanese React To Ohtani's Success In The US
Asian Boss - Aug 02
We all remember names like Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods. Well, if you are from the US, you may have heard about Shohei Ohtani.
[more sports news…]
TRAVEL
貴船神社 京都 Kifune Shrine Kyoto in summer 4K
keity - Aug 04
Beautiful Nature of Kifune Shrine. Surrounded by water and forest. Experience a verdant and resplendent nature while exploring the shrine precincts.
Japan to tighten border controls on visitors from 3 U.S. states, Finland
Kyodo - Aug 03
The Japanese government said Monday it will tighten border controls for travelers from three U.S. states, Finland and some other areas in response to the spread of highly contagious variants of the novel coronavirus.
50 accidents involve Olympic-related vehicles
NHK - Aug 03
Tokyo police say at least 50 accidents involving vehicles related to the Olympics had occurred in the capital during the first week after the Games opened.
Solo Travel in Beppu Japan | Famous Hot Spring City
Solo Travel Japan - Aug 03
I traveled to one of the most famous hot spring cities in Japan and explored Beppu Jigoku.
[more travel news…]
FEATURED BLOGS
Aug 4
Engrish sign at the Tokyo Olympics turns out to be hilariously accurate

One of those times when an English mistake ends up expressing everyone's true feelings.

In Japan, everyday appliances like rice cookers and coffee dispensers don't usually come with English instructions, which can make them difficult for firs...

Aug 4
Sega closing iconic Tokyo arcade that’s been in business for almost 30 years

Sega Ikebukuro GiGO has been a landmark since the ‘90s' golden era of Japanese arcades.

Last year, video game fans and Akihabara historians were saddened by the announcement that Sega was closing its Sega Akihabara Building 2 arcade. Now, e...

Aug 2
Tokyo train stations get new Olympic melodies and signage for the Games

We check out the Tokyo 2020 official beat music being played at four special locations.

After a long and scandal-ridden lead-up to the Tokyo Olympics, the 2020 Games are finally underway in the capital, and even though locals aren't able to a...

Aug 2
Dealing with the brutal Japanese summer

Summer in Japan is brutal! The high temperature combined with the unrelenting humidity make some people believe that summer is one of the worst times to visit Japan. However, not everything is that bad. Summer can also be a great time to enjoy the...

Aug 1
A visit to statue of Tokyo comedian and COVID casualty Ken Shimura still brings smiles to hometown

Ken Shimura put Higashimurayama on the map, and now Higashimurayama has put up a statue of him.

Like a number of other train stations in Japan, Tokyo's Higashimurayama Station has a special chime that plays on its platform when trains are arrivi...

[more blogs…]