National Apr 13, 2023
A lonely cry for action as China locks up Japanese on spy charges
Hideji Suzuki says Japan failed him during his six years in a Chinese prison. China’s recent arrest of a Japanese citizen is again testing Tokyo’s resolve.
Lifestyle Mar 4, 2023
A Tokyo esports school coaxes dropouts back to class
Parents are realizing that nontraditional schooling is better than none at all.
More Sports Feb 10, 2023
What’s a Japanese mobster to do in retirement? Join a softball team
The members of the Ryuyukai have done nearly 100 years of hard time, now they're just looking to stay out of trouble.
Business Jan 6, 2023
Japan’s business owners can’t find successors. This man gave his away.
Nearly 60% of the country’s businesses report that they have no plan for their future ownership.
Business / Financial Markets Oct 22, 2022
Why Japan stands virtually alone in keeping interest rates ultralow
The yen is plummeting and inflation is climbing, but Japan’s economic circumstances have led to a view that raising rates would do more harm than good.
Business Aug 30, 2022
Why is this colorful little wheel suddenly everywhere in Japan?
It’s the logo of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. And Japan is all in.
National Jul 3, 2022
Japan’s secret to taming the coronavirus: peer pressure
The country has never mandated masks or vaccinations, but it’s evaded the worst of COVID-19, thanks to a fear of public shaming and the “self restraint police.”
Business Jun 24, 2022
Japan 7-Eleven franchisee who rebelled against company loses in court
A judge ordered Mitoshi Matsumoto to hand his store, which he opened in 2012, over to the company and pay damages for lost business.
Business / Economy May 12, 2022
Japan has long sought more inflation and a weak yen. But not like this.
While overall inflation remains moderate, food and energy costs are rising rapidly — an outgrowth not of increased demand, but of market turmoil.
Business Apr 28, 2022
Can Japan keep the lights on? The Ukraine war upends a big energy bet.
Liquefied natural gas was seen as a crucial transitional fuel in Japan's gradual shift to renewable energy. But then came the pandemic and the Ukraine war, which caused prices to soar.