PHOTO: Dragons from the fire
Discarded glass bottles collected in Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture, were recycled and transformed into dragon figurines at Okazaki Garasu Kobo Aoi workshop for the Year of the Dragon. 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.
Gold leaf company introduces festive sparkling beverage
A soda drink containing pieces of “entsuke” gold leaf — which is made using a technique registered on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list — has been put on sale by Hakuza Inc., a gold leaf manufacturer and retailer in Kanazawa. Read more
Beautiful, elaborate amezaiku sweets soothe the soul
Rabbits holding flowers, poodles with collars and parakeets in bright colors — all perched on sticks — greet me with a sweet aroma as I enter a candy shop in Tokyo. Read more
An Asian version of the Grammys is in the works
The Cultural Affairs Agency is looking to create a music award to honor Asian artists as early as 2025, Commissioner Shunichi Tokura said in a recent interview. Read more
Seeds of digital revolution bearing fruit, and veggies, in urban Tokyo
Small-scale farmers in Tokyo are increasingly expanding the boundaries of agriculture through the use of digital technology and other means. Read more
Zen temple in Kyoto welcomes visitors to its meditation space
Tofukuji Temple in Kyoto features a large Zen meditation space that spans about 200 square meters. Read more
Japan’s yokan masters create art on a plate
During the sweltering summertime, yokan, the Japanese jellylike red bean sweet, makes for a refreshingly cold dessert. Read more
Sony starts ‘foster parent’ program for Aibo
Sony Group Corp. has started a “foster parent” program for unwanted Aibo dog robots, which will transfer them from their owners to hospitals and nursing care facilities. Read more
Staff-free stores a fast-growing market in Japan
During the COVID-19 pandemic, unmanned shops drew interest as a way to prevent infection and cater to contact-averse customers. Read more
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PHOTO: Year of the Dragon
Completed clay bells, hand painted as dragons ahead of the up- coming new year, are lined up at the Musashino Jindaiji Gama pottery plant in Chofu, Tokyo. Read more
Art students go old-school, create works with 8 mm film
Just as analog records are gaining popularity as a way to listen to music, 8 mm film is staging a comeback as people reevaluate its use for making movies. Read more
Digital generation gives analog photography a shot
Film cameras as well as instant cameras are making a comeback among the younger generation. The unique nature of analog photography seems to have attracted them. Read more
Japan’s original fast food relevant in new ways
Soba noodle stands on railway platforms, known as ekisoba, have long allowed passengers to quickly stave off hunger while waiting for their train. Read more
Somen noodles slide for Guinness record
On Oct. 21, Nagashi somen — somen noodles flowing in cold water on bamboo pipes — traveled a distance of 2-1/2 miles, a feat that was formally recognized as a world record in Taketa, Oita prefecture. Read more
Japan seeks global cooperation to explore ‘urban mines’
Japan wants to work with the United States and the European Union to promote technology that can recover and recycle metals from used electronic devices, according to government sources. Read more
Declining Japanese town getting attention through flowers
In the small, declining town of Asahi, one man for two decades has been planting vistas of flowers, hoping to attract visitors. Read more
Game from the past finds new players
At the Beigoma Shiryokan museum in Kawaguchi, a city known for its foundry industry, local elementary school students gather to play beigoma, a game using special spinning tops. Read more
Photogenic red sweet corn called a ‘jewel’ of social media
With its burgundy hue, the newly developed Yamato Rouge sweet corn has been all the rage on social media, and the company that developed it couldn’t be happier. Read more
‘Beer balls’ tailor alcohol content to drinker’s preference
There are a variety of ways to enjoy beer these days. Unique beers continue to be created, such as those that allow drinkers to adjust alcohol content. Read more
Japan to independently measure its forests’ carbon absorption
Japan’s government plans to develop its own method of measuring the country’s plant resources, with the goal of accurately determining its carbon dioxide absorption levels. Read more
PHOTO: A Golden Road
Worshippers admired the sun setting over the Genkai Sea and illuminating the approach to Miyajidake Shrine in Fukutsu, Fukuoka prefecture last month. Read more
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