Archives for July 2021

JAPAN| The first eraser was invented in 1770 by English engineer Edward Nairne, and it has since been updated by various manufacturers into countless types, shapes, and sizes. But this staple correction tool has always had one flaw—you can’t see what you’re rubbing out. This is now a problem of the past thanks to Japanese stationery brand Seed. The company has been making … [Read more...] about Japanese Stationery Company Develops Translucent Eraser

A Senegalese musician says he was cut from performing at the Tokyo Olympic opening ceremony because organisers did not want a black face in the show. Latyr Sy, a percussionist who has lived and performed in Japan for more than 20 years, was set to play in Friday’s showpiece at the National Stadium. But he was told that his role had been removed by Tokyo 2020 organisers who … [Read more...] about Japanese musician of Senegalese origin reportedly excluded from Olympics opening ceremony over skin color

Mamoru Hosoda's latest film, Belle (Ryū to Sobakasu no Hime, literally "The Dragon and the Freckled Princess"), has reportedly received a 14-minute-long standing ovation by its audience following its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Screening out of competition in the Cannes Premieres section with Hosoda in attendance, Belle reportedly received a 14-minute … [Read more...] about Japanese anime Belle receives a 14-minute standing ovation at Cannes

George Boateng, a man from Ghana who now resides in Japan has made some profound comments after he was asked in a live interview if he will ever return to his home country. Chris Vincent, who interviewed the gentleman, and shared a snippet of the video on his personal Facebook handle which has gotten a lot of Ghanaians pouring out their opinions. According to George Boateng, … [Read more...] about George Boateng: Ghanaian in Japan says his body Should not be Returned to Ghana if he dies

TOKYO| The first U.S. athlete expected to compete in the Tokyo Summer Olympics has tested positive for the coronavirus while in Japan. Beach volleyball player Taylor Crabb will be replaced on the top U.S. men's team by Tri Bourne, who will now play with Jake Gibb this weekend. "After taking every precaution, getting vaccinated and following protocols, I have tested … [Read more...] about 1st U.S. Athlete Set To Compete In Olympics Tests Positive For Coronavirus In Japan

The world is in the early stages of another wave of Covid-19 infections and death, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Wednesday. Speaking to International Olympic Committee members in Tokyo, Tedros said the global failure to share vaccines, tests and treatments is fueling a “two-track pandemic.” Countries that have adequate resources … [Read more...] about WHO chief warns that the world is going into the ‘early stages of another wave’

JAPAN| Roche, a Swiss pharmaceutical giant, announced Tuesday that Japan was the first country to approve Ronapreve's anti-COVID-19 treatment. Phase 3 trials showed that the antibody cocktail significantly reduced the risk that mild and moderate COVID-19 patients would become seriously ill, resulting in hospitalizations or even death. Roche stated that Ronapreve was … [Read more...] about Japan becomes first country to approve Ronapreve COVID-19 treatment

TOKYO| The Tokyo Olympic organizing committee on Thursday fired a director of the creative team behind the games' opening and closing ceremonies for joking in the past about the Holocaust, the decision coming just a day before the start of the global sporting event. The dismissal of former comedian Kentaro Kobayashi is the latest in a series of embarrassments for the … [Read more...] about Tokyo Olympic ceremony director fired over Holocaust jokes

JAPAN| “I want to paint the life, the living spirit of the being that I feel is inside them.” This is the motto of the Japanese artist Akie Nakata, who has dedicated herself to transforming simple stones into true artworks that become too realistic, and even, are confused with reality at first sight.“For me, stones are not just simple materials or canvases to paint on. … [Read more...] about Japanese Artist Brings Stones To Life By Turning Them Into Tiny Animals

OSAKA | An athlete from Uganda who went missing last week from his pre-Olympic training camp in western Japan has been found and headed back to his home country late Wednesday, officials said. The mayor of Izumisano, which hosted the training camp, said at a press conference that Julius Ssekitoleko expressed hopes of staying in Japan in the morning but was later convinced … [Read more...] about Ugandan Olympic athlete who went missing in Japan to return home

A money row tied to the boyfriend of Japanese Princess Mako has apparently been influencing Japan's debate over whether to change its male-only imperial succession rules amid a shrinking number of heirs. A government advisory panel heard from a total of 21 experts from various fields in its meetings from April 8 through June 7 to discuss options including allowing women to … [Read more...] about Japan princess’ boyfriend made issue in imperial succession debate

A mother leaves a cardboard cut-out of herself in her one-year-old son's room to stop him from crying in an ingenious hack for parents. Fuki Sato from Japan puts the print up around the house so her toddler feels like she is there. The boy caught on within 20 minutes the first time, but his father - who posted the video on his Twitter page @sato_nezi - bought another … [Read more...] about Mother leaves a cardboard cut-out of herself in her toddler’s room to stop him from crying