Priority reservation system offers time savings — for a fee
A growing number of restaurants and clinics have introduced a reservation ticketing system that allows customers to gain priority entry by paying an extra fee. Read more
News
Trash can robot tested at Shinjuku train station
East Japan Railway Co., more commonly known as JR East, has been conducting a test for an autonomous robot that serves as a mobile trash can at Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. Read more
Mt. Fuji cycling route gets special designation
The route is part of a public-private partnership to develop tourism through cycling and marks the second such designation in Shizuoka prefecture. Read more
Japan’s population includes more than 100,000 people age 100 or older
There are now more than 100,000 centenarians in Japan, a record for a country famous for its longevity. Read more
Ministry to promote anime, manga in southern countries
Japan’s Foreign Ministry will step up its efforts toward “soft power diplomacy” to promote Japanese pop culture in emerging and developing countries in southern parts of the globe starting in fiscal 2027. Read more
Fans flock to a shop staffed by friendly sumo elders
Some who follow sumo might be surprised to learn that in 2017, the Japan Sumo Association created what it calls a Social Contribution Department. Read more
Grand water procession
A fleet of vessels, led by a gozabune (royal ceremonial boat) carrying Kashima Shrine’s enshrined deity Takemikazuchi-no-Okami, navigated the Wani River in Ibaraki prefecture on Sept. 2 to marked the start of the Mifune Matsuri, a grand festival held once every 12 years by the shrine in Kashima. Read more
Revival theater screens oldie films in Tokyo
The theater’s connection with the local community continues to this day. Since 2017, it screens films produced by students. Read more
Don't miss out on what's happening!
Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE!
By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser's and Google's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA.
New garments protect wearer from bear attacks
The clothing utilizes stab-resistant technology honed through the production of security uniforms, and the company is encouraging local governments and hunting associations nationwide to promote their use. Read more
Castle inches back to its proper spot
After 11 years sitting off its foundation, the main keep of Hirosaki Castle is inching closer to its proper place. Read more
Men turn to hair removal during scorching summers
Summer is peak demand season at a men’s grooming clinic in Japan, where appointments are becoming harder to get as scores seek to rid themselves of body hair for relief from brutal, sweltering heat. Read more
Government to step up efforts to secure its workforce
The Japanese government is boosting its efforts to reduce the number of national public employees leaving their jobs. Read more
Farmers go nocturnal as deadly heat intensifies
Long after sunset, Motoaki Iijima’s illuminated greenhouse north of Tokyo glows like a lantern as the flower farmer harvests pink and orange gerberas, avoiding a daytime sun fierce enough to be deadly. Read more
Specialists tending to the centuries-old Katsura Imperial Villa strive to keep it looking unchanged
Visitors to the Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto can find themselves guided by pebble-paved paths and stepping stones, enveloped by the charm of a well-maintained garden with diverse plants including pine, maple and azalea trees. Read more
He said he was the world’s healthiest man until a stunning diagnosis
Among the attendees at an invitation-only retreat was a visionary of another sort — Bryan Johnson, the wealthy tech entrepreneur and so-called biohacker who has been waging a public and provocative fight against mortality. Read more
‘Suit walks’ show elegance of attire in Japan
A group of men in suits took a walk in Sapporo’s Odori Park in April during the Sebiro Sampo, an event that aims to helpnpeople rediscover the appeal of suits. Read more
Elder care facilities struggle with caregiving after quake
Elder care facilities in areas hit by the Kumamoto earthquake on July 28 were increasingly worried last week about residents’ health as they struggled to operate amid severe damage to their buildings and disruptions to the water supply. Read more
2 killed in blast were told to return to mall
Two store employees who died in the explosion July 28 at the Aeon Mall Kumamoto shopping complex were directed by the store’s company to go back inside the mall after the earthquake to move its cash into a safe. Read more
PHOTO: Lanterns for Kumamoto
A man balances a pole with lanterns, known as a kanto, on his shoulder on the first day of this year’s Akita Kanto Festival in Akita City on Aug. 3. Read more
Men in shorts shake up office culture
For more than three decades, Noboru Watanabe wore the uniform of the Japanese “salaryman” (office worker): trousers, a starched shirt, a jacket and a necktie. Read more
Having trouble finding what you need? Try using our search feature.
