Aichi Triennale, a City-type Art Festival in Japan
Inside Look at Aichi Triennale There are many different art festivals in Japan. The most famous one is probably the Triennale in Naoshima. It attracts many tourists from Japan and abroad. Naoshima is an island in the Seto Inland Sea, and its scenic beauty is one of the best things about it, but there are […]
How Much Pocket Money Do the Japanese Receive Each Month?
Source: April, 2019 survey of 1,000 full-time male workers ages 20-59 by the Shinsei Bank, Limited The Shinsei Bank, which conducts an annual survey about discretionary spending by wage-earners, found that the average “allowance” among salarymen this year was 38,457 yen ($384) --- the lowest since 1982 (when it was 34,100 yen, or $341). While […]
What Do Japanese Eat for Breakfast?
Why do the Japanese prefer bread to rice? Source: Survey of 2,137 married women ages 20-60 conducted in April, 2018 In a survey on the breakfast habits of married women ranging from those in their 20s through their 60s, more than half responded that they prefer a meal based on bread or bread products, with […]
RUNNING Culture in Japan
The country has always had a strong tradition in distance running. Long before I moved here I noticed when watching the Olympics coverage, very disciplined Japanese runners were among the leading packs in the distance races. Years ago, I became fascinated with the uniquely Japanese ekiden (long‐distance relay road race) culture, more of which is […]
Interview with Manuel M. Lopez, Former Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Japan
Profile: Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez presented his credentials as Philippine Ambassador to Japan to H.M. Emperor Akihito on April 7, 2011. He used to be Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) from 2001 to 2010. He holds many important business posts, including chairmanship of the Lopez Holdings Corporation. Can you […]
A Costumed Marathon in Japan
On the second Sunday of each year, the Ansei Tooashi Samurai Marathon is held in Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture. This year the race was held for the 39th time, with 1,703 runners, dressed in unique costumes, taking part. Cheered on by the spectators, the runners race in two parts, a 28.97 kilometer section that transits […]
Asking Japanese Teens What They Think about Their Fathers
Source: Nationwide survey of 963 teens by Lifemedia (June, 2013) Easy to get angryHe is inflexible (or stubborn)Won’t listen to meDoesn’t do household choresNothing in particularCares about our familyIs gentleCan depend on himWorks hardKnows lots of things When teenagers around Japan were asked what they liked most about their fathers, the most common replies were […]
Future Dreams of Japanese Children
Japanese Children's Dreams By D. McCaughan Japan is a place where a lot of time is spent reflecting on the past. I have lived here for nearly 10 years, and nearly every piece of research I have seen, all the reports on the state of economy, all the books and articles on Japanese society seem […]
Ways to Boost One’s Mood During the Rainy Season in Japan
Soak in a relaxing hot bath, Drink coffee, tea or herb tea, Drink alcoholic beverages, Go on drives, Eat out at restaurants, Do exercises such as stretching or yoga, Go to health-oriented spas or for massage, Prepare elaborate meals, Other, Nothing in particular Source: DO HOUSE Inc. survey of 1,199 males and females ages 25~69 […]
Japan as the World’s Most Rapidly Aging Society (1) Elderly Business
Japan, the country with the most aged population The Japanese economy averaged a 9.1% increase in real GDP from FY 1956 to FY 1973. In 1968, it overtook West Germany to become the world’s second largest economy in terms of GDP, and while it maintained an average growth rate of about 5% through the 1980s, […]