Live in Japan: Japanese lifestyle and its social culture
The History of Japan's School Lunch

The History of Japanese School Meals The School Lunch Law enacted in 1954 states that “Administrators of compulsory education schools must endeavor to implement provision of school meals at applicable compulsory education schools.” As a result, in Japan, most elementary school students and junior high school students eat kyushoku (school lunch). Parents usually pay 250 […]

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About Japanese companies and Japanese business people
Japan's Elderly Care Business Using Technology

Using Technology for Japan's Elderly Care Business By Ryoji Shimada, staff writer Japan Moving Toward Promoting Nursing Robots for Elderly In rapidly aging Japan, efforts are accelerating to make more practical and affordable robots for helping the elderly perform daily tasks to cope with a projected future shortage of caregivers. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government […]

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Live in Japan: Japanese lifestyle and its social culture
Discrimination against Koreans in Japan

Zainichi Sabetsu: Discrimination against Koreans in Japan By Ryoji Shimada There is discrimination in every country. Even in Japan, which is so safe that women can walk alone at night, there is discrimination. Discrimination against women is a major problem in Japan, especially among developed countries. There are many other forms of discrimination, and discrimination […]

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Live in Japan: Japanese lifestyle and its social culture
What is Andon? Making Andon, a Japanese lantern

Lantern making with a Japanese washi paper The andon is a lantern made of Japanese paper and framed with bamboo or wood lit by burning oil or a candle. It is believed to be originally used by the Buddhist monks during the Muromachi period (1392-1573) as portable lighting. In the Edo period (1600-1867), the andon was especially popular for […]

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5S
5S in the Japanese Workplace (5)—Shitsuke: Sustaining through Discipline

5S in the Japanese Workplace (5)—Shitsuke: Sustaining through Discipline The final "S" in the 5S series looks at Shitsuke (sustaining). In a nutshell, it means keeping the previously introduced 4S as your daily routine. Shitsuke (しつけ or 躾) Shitsuke is usually written with Japanese hiragana syllables rather than the kanji characters derived from Chinese. The […]

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Live in Japan: Japanese lifestyle and its social culture
What Is the Cultural Aspect of Soba in Japan?

What is cultural aspect of “soba” noodle? When comparing Tokyo and Osaka, it is said that Tokyoites prefer soba or buckwheat noodles while Osakans prefer udon or flour noodles.  Nevertheless, if we talk only of the last day of the year, both Tokyoites and Osakans probably go for toshikoshi soba (New Year’s Eve’s buckwheat noodles) […]

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About Japanese companies and Japanese business people
Japanese Food Going International: Sushi, Ramen, etc.

(The photo is Osechi Ryori*: Japanese New Year Feast) Japanese Food Going International: Sushi, Ramen, etc. The world as it concerns food in the 21st century is an extraordinary spectacle.  On the one hand are the famine and food shortages among developing nations, on the other is gluttony and obesity.  Heightened global interest in Japanese food […]

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Live in Japan: Japanese lifestyle and its social culture
Women's Social Advancement in the Japanese Business World

Female Social Advancement in the Japanese Business World Current Status of Women in Japan The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are international development goals for sustainable development, consisting of 17 global targets, and are also concrete guidelines for the period up to 2030. One of the 17 goals is to "achieve gender equality and empower all […]

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Live in Japan: Japanese lifestyle and its social culture
Percentage of total electricity generated in Japan by power source

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) announced on July 21 the draft of the new basic energy plan. The plan is to increase the ratio of renewable energy to the total amount of electricity generated in FY2030. The ratio of renewable energy The ratio of renewable energy will be increased to 36-38%, and […]

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Live in Japan: Japanese lifestyle and its social culture
Pros and Cons of Nuclear Energy in Japan

Pros and Cons of Nuclear Energy in Japan On July 12, 2021, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) presented an estimate that the cost of solar power generation in 2030 will be in the upper 8 yen to lower 11 yen per kilowatt hour, cheaper than nuclear power (upper 11 yen or more). […]

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