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 […]
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 […]
Transforming Closed Schools into Data Centers in Fukushima, Japan
Utilizing Abandoned School for PC Education By Ryoji Shimada, staff writer Nestled on a forested hillside about 100km distant from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, the former Akasawa primary school in Aizumisato Town, Fukushima Prefecture, no longer resonates with the lively voices of children. Instead, a bank of computer servers emits hums from […]
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 […]
Tobita-kun Goes Abroad from Shiga, Japan
What is Tobita-kun? “My name is Tobita Tobidashi. Please drive carefully.” The figure of a small boy was created in Shiga Prefecture 40 years ago as a safety measure to alert drivers to watch out for children who might run out unexpectedly (called tobidashi or “pop out”) on the street. Up to the present, some […]
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 […]
Japan as the World’s Most Rapidly Aging Society (3) Elderly Care Business
By Ryoji Shimada, staff writer Japan's New Day Care Service Makes Elderly Feel at Home It looks just like a private home, but is actually a day care center (a non-residential facility) for elderly people where they can relax on the sofa or enjoy chatting around a dining table. Small-scale day care centers dubbed Sawa […]
Rediscovering Japan’s Technology
Experience Japan's Technology By Ryoji Shimada, staff writer JR Osaka Station is the largest rail terminal in this prefecture of 9 million people. Following years of redevelopment, the multi-use Umekita Grand Front Osaka complex, on the station’s north side has been buzzing since its opening, which took place on April 26. In its first month […]
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 […]