Pet Business in Japan
It is just the truth that Japan is fixated on pets. The low birth rate and aging demographics are real headline makers. However the number of children being born did level off years ago and the number of people who are reaching middle age with no children has steadily grown. So maybe it’s no wonder […]
What is Real Escape Game? Originally from Japan
Escape from Japan Going overseas with “Real Escape Game” (Dasshutsu Game 脱出ゲーム) By Ryoji Shimada, staff writer “The walls are cold concrete. The only things in the room are ordinary furnishings - desks, chairs, carpets and so on. Secret codes and mysterious items have been secreted at various places. Somehow, you have been locked up […]
Lars Vargö, Swedish Ambassador to Japan: “I felt I’ve come back home”
By Ryoji Shimada, staff writer So said Ambassador Vargö, who has been assigned to Sweden’s Tokyo embassy since last September. He is a big fan of Japan, a haiku lover and a renowned researcher on this far eastern country which he described as his “second home.” Vargö, born in 1947, explained that he became interested […]
Origin of Japan’s Business Philosophy: Righteous Merchants of Ohmi
The Omi merchants were merchants from Omi Province (present-day Shiga Prefecture) who were active from the Middle Ages to the modern era. They are one of the three major merchants in Japan along with the Osaka merchants and the Ise merchants. Even today, entrepreneurs from Shiga Prefecture are often referred to as Omi merchants. Normally, […]
Hydrogen Filling Station Utilizing Solar Panels in Japan
Honda Motor Co. has set up a solar hydrogen fuel station at the Saitama Prefectural Office. Saitama has procured its first “FCX Clarity” fuel cell electric vehicle, which its manufacturer claims is the world’s first dedicated platform electric vehicle. Over the next two years the prefecture, Honda and the local government will conduct joint testing […]
Universal Design Traffic Light in Japan
A new type of universal design traffic light that is easy to see for people suffering from a type of color vision deficiency that makes it difficult for them to distinguish between yellow and red, has been installed at intersections in Fukuoka and Tokyo. Developed by Professor Taro Ochiai at Kyushu Sangyo University, it’s said […]
Environmental Initiatives Are Prerequisites for Leading Companies in Japan
The Dentsu advertising agency released the results of a consumer awareness survey conducted in February. The greatest topics of social concern were “the environment,” followed by “natural catastrophes” and “the tax system.” Among environmental concerns, “global warming” was named first, followed by “environmental pollution” and “nuclear plant accident/spread of radioactive materials.” The survey showed a […]
Bicycle to Work in Japan!
Pandemic Cyclist Fashions Since COVID-19, more people in Japan have been commuting to their jobs by bicycle. Some are seeking healthy exercise and others ride two-wheelers out of fears that if another major quake strikes and public transport is affected, they will have no means to return to their home. Retail clothing chain AOKI has […]
Haiku and Tanka by Masaoka Shiki
Haiku by Masaoka Shiki 柿くへば Kakikuheba鐘が鳴るなり Kaneganarunari法隆寺 Horyuji <English Translation>Chewing a persimmon,I hear the temple bell tollfrom Horyuji. いくたびも Ikutabimo雪の深さを Yukinofukasawoたづねけり Tadunekeri <English Translation>Time and time againI have asked the same question:How deep is the snow? Tanka by Masaoka Shiki くれなゐの Kurenaino二尺のびたる Nishakunobitaru薔薇の芽の Baranomeno針やはらかに Hariyaharakani春雨のふる Harusamenofuru <English Translation>In bright crimson redstretching up a full two […]
Standpoint from non-Japanese: Japanese Hospitality Service
By Ian D. Robinson Greetings of "Irasshaimase!" “Irasshaimase!” How many times a day does one hear this shouted welcome in Japan? In shops, cafes, restaurants, even in the most humble establishment it is called out by service staff with a cheery sincerity. The level of friendly, polite service in Japan can almost be shocking for […]