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
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’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
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
Don't miss out on what's happening!
Stay in touch with breaking 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.
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
Tokyo shop sees a big demand for tiny towels
Little gifts come in handy when paying someone a visit, and wrapping them in a small tenugui hand towel can add a playful — and traditionally Japanese — touch. Read more
Youngsters spread love of reading with furry friends
At a book club event Oct. 14, 10 children from Tokushima prefecture shared their favorite books with “reading dogs” at a prefectural library. Read more
Cosmetics designed for use in space
A leading cosmetics company has unveiled a new line of products that can be used in space, with plans to have them taken to the International Space Station next year. Read more
Whimsical designs breathe life into handmade paper balloons
Paper balloons are a regional specialty of Izumozaki in Niigata prefecture, where they have been produced for more than 100 years. Read more
Gardening left to the goats
A community in Shimane prefecture unleashed a small herd of hungry goats to clean up weeds along an abandoned railway track. Read more
Having trouble finding what you need? Try using our search feature.
Subscriber Favorites
South Korean investigators arrest impeached President Yoon
Queen’s Health Systems dealing with ‘disruption to network‘
Final phase of state probe of Lahaina fire released
Pentagon pick quizzed on geopolitics, Pacific knowledge
Los Angeles firefighters holding the line despite extreme winds
More Focus on Japan
Kansai Airport has never lost a piece of luggage
Snake statue ready for 2025
AI breathes fresh life into traditions of New Year’s
