Tokyo reports 405 new infections as pace increases
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government says it confirmed 405 new cases of coronavirus infections on Monday. (NHK)
US backs Japan’s Fukushima plans despite S Korea’s concerns
US climate envoy John Kerry has reaffirmed Washington’s confidence in Japan’s decision to release contaminated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea despite concerns raised by South Korea. (aljazeera.com)
Osaka confirms record 1,220 new infections
The Osaka prefectural government reported 1,220 new coronavirus cases on Sunday. (NHK)
Suga asks Pfizer for additional COVID-19 vaccine supplies to Japan
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga asked U.S. pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc. on Saturday to provide additional supplies of COVID-19 vaccine to Japan, Japanese officials said. (Kyodo)
19 April 2021
All Japan Tours
Japan Weather
SOCIETY
Children with foreign roots a growing social issue in Japan
Asahi - Apr 19
Nearly 4 percent of children living in group homes for youngsters across Japan have at least one parent with foreign roots, forcing staff members to confront issues they were not initially trained to handle, an Asahi Shimbun study shows.
Man arrested on suspicion of assaulting singer Tomomi Kahara
Japan Today - Apr 18
Police in Tokyo have arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of assaulting singer Tomomi Kahara by forcibly pulling her by the arm and shoving her shoulder while in a taxi.
Japanese surnames: a call for change
NHK - Apr 18
People in Japan are questioning the social norm of married couples adopting the same surname.
Woman arrested for animal cruelty kept 58 pets in Tokyo home
Japan Today - Apr 17
Police in Tokyo have arrested a 46-year-old woman for violating the animal welfare law after she kept five dogs in inhumane conditions at her home in Ota Ward.
[more society news…]
BUSINESS
US and Japan to invest $4.5bn in next-gen 6G race with China
Nikkei - Apr 18
U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga have agreed to jointly invest $4.5 billion for the development of next-generation communication known as 6G, or "beyond 5G."
Japanese fried chicken enters period of Warring States
JapanNutrition.com - Apr 17
Japanese fried chicken, or "Karaage," is in a period of Warring States, with a bunch of new stores opening nationwide, including 678 just last year!
Japan bets on hydrogen to lift its ambitious carbon-neutral plans
washingtonpost.com - Apr 16
NAMIE, Japan — Japan has ambitious plans to be entirely carbon-neutral by 2050. Trouble is: It has no clear vision of how to get there.
Coca-Cola starts drink subscription service in Japan
newsonjapan.com - Apr 15
A new subscription service is now available for vending machines in Japan.
[more business news…]
POLITICS
US backs Japan's Fukushima plans despite South Korea's concerns
aljazeera.com - Apr 19
US climate envoy John Kerry has reaffirmed Washington’s confidence in Japan’s decision to release contaminated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea despite concerns raised by South Korea.
Kono: PM, Pfizer agree for more vaccine doses
NHK - Apr 18
The Japanese minister overseeing the government's COVID-19 vaccination program says Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide has effectively reached agreement with US pharmaceutical firm Pfizer for additional vaccine supplies.
Suga asks Pfizer for additional COVID-19 vaccine supplies to Japan
Kyodo - Apr 18
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga asked U.S. pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc. on Saturday to provide additional supplies of COVID-19 vaccine to Japan, Japanese officials said.
China accuses US and Japan of sowing division after Biden and Suga vow to counter ‘intimidation’
South China Morning Post - Apr 18
Beijing has accused the United States and Japan of sowing division after they said they would counter China’s “intimidation” in the Asia-Pacific region and referred to Taiwan in a joint statement for the first time in over 50 years.
[more politics news…]
EDUCATION
Beautiful Cherry Blossom Sayings in Japanese
Japanese Ammo with Misa - Apr 14
Japanese Proverbs/Sayings about Cherry Blossoms (SAKURA).
6% of Japan's second-year junior high students are 'young carers'
Japan Times - Apr 13
A government survey showed Monday that 5.7% of children in the second year of junior high school provide care to family members who have a chronic illness or other problems.
Learn Japanese With Waffles + Mochi l Netflix Jr
Netflix Jr. - Apr 12
Travel to Japan with Waffles + Mochi! Join in as they learn to speak Japanese with words like, Konnichiwa! They also meet a vegetable called, the mushroom, and discover just how fun and delicious it is to cook AND eat!
Life of Naughty Male Adult Entertainers in Edo Japan (Teahouse Boys)
Linfamy - Apr 11
Life of male adult entertainers in Edo Japan who worked in "teahouses."
[more education news…]
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Japan's HIV positive tests fell, fewer tests done
NHK - Apr 18
New data show the number of HIV infections confirmed in Japan last year dropped nearly 20 percent from a year earlier. The health ministry attributes the decline to a fall in HIV testing due to the coronavirus pandemic, and says the actual figure could be higher.
Tritium mascot design to be changed
NHK - Apr 16
Japan's Reconstruction Agency says it is changing the design of a mascot character created to reassure people about radioactive tritium in water to be released from the Fukushima nuclear power plant.
Japanese firm develops world’s first foldable disposable paper razor
Japan Today - Apr 15
Japanese Kaijurishi was founded in 1908 in the town of Seki, Gifu Prefecture, which is famous for its rich tradition and history of samurai sword making, as well as its state-of-the-art Japanese cutlery. So it makes sense that they've built their name as a leading manufacturer of shaving products in Japan.
UK coronavirus variant surging in Japan
NHK - Apr 14
Surveys by local governments in Japan show the coronavirus variant first detected in Britain is surging in the country. The variant, dubbed N501Y, is said to be more transmissible than the original coronavirus.
[more sci-tech news…]
SPORTS
What are the key issues facing Tokyo Olympics?
Reuters - Apr 19
The countdown is on for the #Tokyo2020​ Olympics. The one-year delay has already brought with it plenty of complications and there are still some unanswered questions.
Japanese baseball team offers fans antibody tests
NHKn - Apr 19
The Saitama Seibu Lions baseball team offered fans free coronavirus antibody tests before a game on Sunday.
What are the top security tips that any bitcoin user must know?
newsonjapan.com - Apr 19
Bitcoin is the most popular topic nowadays as everyone is attracted to it. It is a decentralized virtual currency that is based on blockchain technology.
Japan golf industry looks to cash in on Matsuyama's Masters win
Nikkei - Apr 16
Hideki Matsuyama made golf history on April 11, becoming the first Japanese to win a men's major and unleashing a frenzy by the country's golf industry eager to cash in on his success.
[more sports news…]
TRAVEL
Cherry blossoms in full bloom in Hirosaki
NHK - Apr 19
Cherry blossoms at a park in Japan's northeastern prefecture of Aomori are in full bloom.
8 must-see Caribbean destinations for any photographer
newsonjapan.com - Apr 19
Nearly every place you visit in the Caribbean offers gorgeous views, incredible wildlife and sea creatures and beautiful beaches.
Snow-walled Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route opens
Japan Today - Apr 17
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, a snow-walled mountain road in Tateyama, Toyama Prefecture, fully reopened to traffic on Thursday, after its wintertime closure.
JAL eyes use of alternative fuels for all domestic flights from 2040
Kyodo - Apr 17
Japan Airlines Co. will replace jet fuel with alternative energy sources for all domestic flights from 2040 under its plan to achieve carbon neutrality in 2050, sources familiar with the matter said Friday.
[more travel news…]
FEATURED BLOGS
Apr 19
Complaints of foul play surrounding fried chicken grand prix results

Now that that pun is out of the way, let's get to the heart of the batter.

Well, another year is upon us, and you all know what that means: the 12th Karaage Grand Prix was held by the Japan Karaage Association. This tournament determines the ...

Apr 19
Body of Japanese girl found in snow reveals history of bullying, though principal denies it

School principal appears to be laying the blame on the 12-year-old girl and her family environment.

On 13 February, second-year junior high school student Saaya Hirose disappeared from her house in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, at around 6 p.m. when ...

Apr 19
Teacher disciplined for drinking alcohol during class in Japan

Students driving you to drink is no excuse to open a cold one in the classroom.

Japanese schools are known for enforcing strict regulations, and one of the most common rules implemented by a large majority of schools is a no-drinking policy d...

Apr 19
What to Expect At Japanese Weddings
japanese wediing2

Congrats! You've been chosen as a special guest for someone's big day. Yet, you stand there puzzled, Japanese wedding invitation in your hands, sweat dripping off your forehead, wondering how different the experience would be from what you've seen...

Apr 19
Why you should visit Osaka in the spring!

Spring is a very fun season in Osaka. Lots of sakura (cherry blossoms) bloom and there are many beautiful places to visit. During this season, temperatures in the city are between 15 and 25ºC, which makes it one of the most ideal times to visit i...

[more blogs…]