2020's Kanji of the Year Revealed
Learning Japanese Life in Japan
As he does every December 12, the head abbot of Kiyomizudera Temple took his usual place in front of a blank board on the site’s famous balcony, raised a large brush, and began the strokes that revealed the top character for 2020.
Tree Rubbings of Artist Stranded in NYC
When the pandemic hit, Japanese artist Keiko Miyamori found herself stuck in New York, missing exhibitions in Japan. As a way to keep her spirits strong, she created tree rubbings, placing them in charming glass boxes. Check out the fruits of her labors.
Enliven Your Senses with Scented Paints
For all those who took up painting as a therapeutic way to pass the pandemic, now you can take it up a notch with scented paints called Kanogu.
Japan Expands State of Emergency
The Japanese government expands its state of emergency over the coronavirus to seven prefectures such as Osaka and Kyoto in addition to the four in the greater Tokyo area that was originally included.
Business-wear Giant Opens Shared Office Spaces
Business-wear giant Aoyama Trading started a shared-office business as the company suffers from drops in sales.
Contactless Conveyor-Belt Sushi Dining
One conveyor-belt sushi restaurant chain is offering an experience where customers can dine without any direct contact with store clerks.
Tech That Measures Congestion in Indoor Areas
Officials tested a system at Tokyo Dome that uses state-of-the-art technology to measure congestion in indoor arenas.
Tokyo Daily COVID Cases Reach Record High
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government reports a record daily high of 1,591 new cases of coronavirus infections and a total of 113 COVID-19 patients who are severely ill.
Japan Considers State of Emergency for Tokyo
Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide says he is considering declaring a state of emergency over the coronavirus in Tokyo and three neighboring prefectures.
A Day in a Tokyo Park Amid the Pandemic
Tokyo’s Hibiya Park takes precautions against the novel coronavirus as people visit for leisure and work.
8 Things Office Workers Didn't Miss in 2020
A recent survey by the Japanese Internet portal Biglobe asked Japanese workers, many of whom have transitioned to telecommuting, what they don’t miss about their old workdays. Here are the Top 8 responses.
Get Your Hands on the Ultimate Hand-Drawn Maze
The artist called Papa has once again picked up his pen in an attempt to outdo himself, creating one of the most challenging yet beautiful mazes we've seen.
A Musical Scale to Maintain Social Distance
A mural by Eisuke Tachikawa is helping visitors to the Minato Mirai Hall stay socially distant while possibly getting the first few notes of Erik Satie’s Gymnopédie stuck in their head.
Japan to Roll Out Covid Vaccines by Late Feb
Regulatory Reform Minister Taro Kono says he will strive to deliver the Covid-19 vaccination to the public as soon as possible.
App Improves Communication Hindered By Masks
An app is helping to facilitate communication in the new normal for the hearing impaired, the elderly, and people who speak different languages.
Supercomputer Shows How Coronavirus Is Spread
Researchers in Japan used the supercomputer Fugaku to simulate how the novel coronavirus spreads, looking at a case in which four people are sitting at a dining table and talking without masks on.
Tokyo Reports Record High of COVID-19 Cases
Tokyo reports a record daily high 493 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on November 18. The metropolitan government plans to raise its coronavirus alert to the highest level.
Keep Safer with Foot-Operated Vending Machines
Beverage manufacturer Dydo Drinco's newest vending machine can be used with your feet.
Japan's 'Word of the Year' for 2020 Released
Learning Japanese Deeper Japan
Dictionary company Sanseido had a lot of strong contenders for its annual Word of the Year contest, as a lot of new words sprung up into everyday conversation like "lockdown" and "social distance." But, the chosen word for 2020 was still a big surprise!
Pfizer Applies for Vaccine Approval in Japan
U.S. drugmaker Pfizer asked the Japanese government for approval to manufacture and sell its coronavirus vaccine in the country.
