Supermarkets win customers with whimsical performances
Supermarkets integral to the daily lives of local residents are serving up a storm, with some attracting customers across the country and even from abroad. Read more
Focus on Japan
The latest news, trends and photo galleries from Japan by Japan News and Yomiuri Shimbun, a Japanese newspaper founded in 1874.
Japan government breaks away from using floppy disks
Japan’s government has finally eliminated the use of floppy disks in all its systems, two decades since their heyday, reaching a long-awaited milestone in a campaign to modernize the bureaucracy. Read more
PHOTO: Wet yoga
About 1,700 committed yoga practitioners braved the rain on the summer solstice, June 21, at Tsukiji Hongwanji temple in Chuo ward in Tokyo. Read more
Zoos set up gamete banks for endangered species
The introduction of an animal gamete bank system to preserve the frozen sperm and eggs of rare animals is progressing at zoos and similar facilities with the aim of continuing to breed endangered species in the future. Read more
U.S. startup launches Japanese strawberry factory
Oishii Farm, a U.S. startup run by a Japanese entrepreneur, announced in early June that it began operating the world’s largest indoor vertical strawberry farm in Phillipsburg, N.J. Read more
Artisan adds twist to traditional metal weaving
As he twists together two copper wires, then two more and two more, a woven pattern of shiny metal hexagons takes shape. Read more
Japan likes tourists, just not this many
On two recent occasions, a foreign tourist walked into Shoji Matsumoto’s barbershop, through a front door that grates loudly when opened more than halfway, wanting a haircut. Read more
Haneda brewery goes local with its flavors
A restaurant near Haneda Airport is brewing up a buzz for its craft beers flavored with local specialties from across Japan. Read more
‘Crying sumo contest’ said to ensure good health for babies
“Crying Sumo,” a traditional event to pray for babies to grow up healthy, was held at Tanabu Shrine in Mutsu, Aomori prefecture, on May 5, celebrated as Children’s Day. Read more
Don't miss out on what's happening!
Stay in touch with top 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.
Special Pokemon art show draws enthusiastic fans
Many fans have been flocking to see a special exhibition featuring Pokemon at the Sagawa Art Museum in Moriyama, Shiga prefecture. Read more
Post earthquake, Wajima lacquerware find new homes
A project to find new owners for recovered Wajima lacquerware is underway in areas affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake on Jan. 1. Read more
Bottlenose dolphins are doing their part in ocean cleanup
Three bottlenose dolphins kept in an oceanfront facility in Sanuki, Kagawa prefecture, have gone viral for picking up trash drifting in the ocean. Read more
PHOTO: Flying a giant
Flying a giant: Participants flew Japan’s largest kite, measuring approximately 48 square feet and weighing about 2,094 pounds, during the Oodako Matsuri on May 4. Read more
New tsunami detection system to undergo tests
A new drone-based tsunami detection system is launching this year in Namie, Fukushima prefecture, to streamline the evacuation of residents in the event of a massive tsunami. Read more
U.S.-made sake hit shelves in Japan
In April, Japanese sake manufacturer Asahi Shuzo Co., known for its flagship Dassai sake, released Dassai Blue in Japan. The release is notable because the special Junmai Daiginjo sake is produced at a brewery in the United States. Read more
Famed architect’s housing complex facilitates community
Hotakubo Housing, a 1991 complex in Kumamoto City, was a new concept in housing for Japan that was introduced by Japanese architect Riken Yamamoto. Read more
Amid sinking birth rate, women struggle to balance family and work
To curb Japan’s declines in birth rate and population, it’s crucial to overcome the so-called “second child barrier,” the reluctance to have more than one child. Read more
New hydrogen station serves former Olympic village condos
A hydrogen station has opened near Harumi Flag, the extensive condominium complex that was originally the Athletes Village for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. Read more
PHOTO: Top tea tradition
A tea leaf-picking event to mark the 88th day since the first day of spring was held in Nishio, Aichi prefecture, on May 1, with festive kimono-clad women handpicking green tea leaves. Read more
Washi-making techniques evolve in a small town
Kawakami Gozen, the goddess of paper, continues to inspire craftspeople in the Goka area of Echizen, Fukui prefecture, where the streets are lined with papermaking workshops. Read more
Japan turning to seagrass in climate battle
On a recent Saturday, some 100 volunteers gathered on a popular beach in the Japanese port city of Yokohama, wading in the shallows to plant strands of light green eelgrass on the seabed. Read more
Having trouble finding what you need? Try using our search feature.
Subscriber Favorites
Man, 51, found fatally stabbed on Honolulu airport property
Trump makes triumphant entrance at GOP convention, joins running mate JD Vance
Judge tosses Trump documents case over prosecutor’s appointment
Kauai wildfire forces evacuations, power shutoff in Kaumakani; shelter opened
Suspect sought in attempted sex assault in Waikiki
More Focus on Japan
Supermarkets win customers with whimsical performances
Japan government breaks away from using floppy disks
