Archives for July 2021

JAPAN| Developed by Triumph, a company that has created other offbeat bras in the past, the rice bra reflects the interest more and more women show in agriculture. The weird rice bra features two cups that resemble plant pots, made from recyclable plastic. They can both be filled with soil and rice seeds, and watered through a hose that doubles as a belt that goes around … [Read more...] about Bra That Grows Rice Showcased in Japan

JAPAN| Fitness instructor Mika Takishima begins her exercise videos with a smile, raising her clenched fist and exclaiming, “Age is just a number!”She is 90 years old. “You stumble on a small step, right? Let’s do some ankle exercise to prevent a fall.”In one clip, she shows how to move the joints and shoulder blades in a circular motion. In another, she shares a … [Read more...] about Meet Takimika, Japan’s 90-Year-Old Fitness Instructor who has inspired many

Japan has promised to join the United States in defense of Taiwan if China decides to invade the sovereign nation, asserting that “Okinawa could be next.” On Monday, Deputy prime minister Taro Aso said China moving into Taiwan could present an imminent threat to the Japanese city of Okinawa, Kyodo News Agency reported. “If a major problem took place in Taiwan, it would … [Read more...] about Japan vows to join US to defend Taiwan against China: ‘Okinawa could be next’

JAPAN| A quick glance at the British press recently and you’d be forgiven for thinking that we can’t have too many people in our romantic relationships. So popular are stories of polyamorous pansexuality that it feels like being in a couple is so much fun, we just want to share. The truth is that the UK is seeing a slight trend towards being happily single, particularly … [Read more...] about Why Are Japanese Men Not Dating Japanese Women?

Mie University produced its first every ninja studies graduate this summer; 45-year-old Genichi Mitsuhashi. While you do not have to physically train as a ninja, Mitsuhashi embraced his studies wholeheartedly and starting living a ninja way of life. Speaking to Japan Times, he explained, ‘I read that ninjas worked as farmers in the morning and trained in martial arts in the … [Read more...] about Japan University Offers Ninja Studies Degree

TOKYO| A Frenchman in Japan who says his children were abducted by their Japanese mother began a hunger strike in Tokyo Saturday, in a protest he hopes will bring international attention to his fight to be reunited with his family. "I've given everything, I've lost my job, my house and my savings in the last three years. I weigh 80 kilograms now, and I'll give it all … [Read more...] about French father goes on hunger strike for children ‘abducted’ by Japanese wife

Japan| If you haven't visited a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple in Japan before, praying is usually done at the 拝殿 haiden (worship hall). For the traditional New Year's visit, known as 初詣 hatsumōde, it is customary to stop in front of the 賽銭 saisen offertory box, make a donation (usually a 5-yen coin, which is said to bring good luck), then shake a thick woven rope, known … [Read more...] about Video Of Black cat praying at Japanese shrine becomes online sensation

FUKUSHIMA| Many photographers love the idea of documenting abandoned areas and towns. We think that the areas of Fukushima in Japan, which were devastated by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami as well as the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear catastrophe, may not be on many explorers' top lists. Malaysian photographer Keow Wee Loong, however, seems to have little concern for the … [Read more...] about Man Sneaks Into Fukushima’s Abandoned Red Zone And Photographs A Town Untouched Since 2011

GARDEN| Zen gardens are also known as Ku Shan Shui Karesansui in Japanese. They consist of carefully placed rocks, well-pruded bushes and gravel that is raked into patterns that imitate flowing water. These gardens are meant to aid meditation on the true meaning and purpose of existence. Famous karesansui stone gardens like Ryoan-ji in Kyoto attract tourists from all over … [Read more...] about Japanese cat demonstrates how to appreciate a Zen garden

FOOD ART| Dorayaki is one of Japan's favorite traditional sweets. The treat sees azuki red bean paste (although there are custard and chocolate varieties, as well) sandwiched between to miniature pancakes made of castella. Having the nostalgic snack sent as a gift would make just about most people happy. Japanese retailer Ii na stores maybe be testing that theory, … [Read more...] about Print your face on traditional Japanese dorayaki cakes to terrify your friends

JAPAN| Haruka Nishimatsu, CEO of Japan Airlines lives by a philosophy that many corporate bosses should be paying close attention to. Instead of acting like the ruler of the company, Nishimatsu acts like a leader, and sacrifices some of the big corporate perks so he can build a stronger and more dedicated workforce.“If management is distant, up in the clouds, people just … [Read more...] about CEO of Japan Airlines Takes The Bus To Work And Gets A Salary Less Than Some Of The Employees

HOKKAIDO| An elderly man living in the town of Keshikaga has been vaccinated four times for COVID-19, the town government has revealed, reports HTB News (July 8). According to an official from Keshikaga, the man, aged in his 80s, received his first two vaccinations while serving as a health care worker outside the town in April and May. He received the second two … [Read more...] about Hokkaido man vaccinated 4 times: ‘I thought it would be more effective’