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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’

WETHEAR| A dog has become a social media star after he interrupted a live weather forecast to get all the attention of his human. Watch viral video below: A golden retriever who wanted attention did not care if his owner had work to do. He sought all attention of his human and he got it. Paul Dellegatto, the chief meteorologist at Fox News 13 Tamba Bay, was delivering … [Read more...] about Dog interrupts weather forecast as he wants all the attention – WATCH

This weekend, Disney announced Star Wars: Visions, an anime anthology of original shorts. Seven anime studios are putting their unique spin on the world of Star Wars, a first for the franchise. Yet, it feels like Star Wars has finally come full circle. “Japanese animation inspired a lot of the people at Lucasfilm over the years,” said executive producer James Waugh. “We … [Read more...] about Japan Gets Its Chance At Star Wars With Anime Anthology

JAPAN| Japanese authorities, increasingly worried about China’s determination to invade and forcibly “reunify” Taiwan, reportedly asked American officials to share U.S. plans for defending Taiwan. That’s the bombshell news from Financial Times reporters Demetri Sevastopulo and Kathrin Hille. The Americans “demurred,” Sevastopulo and Hille wrote, “because it wanted to … [Read more...] about It’s Getting More Likely The Japanese Would Fight For Taiwan