No more high heels, boss!
Some of Japan’s women have been angrily kicking back against the pressure to wear high heeled shoes. They say the government should intervene and the blame is being laid firmly…
Vietnam – Japan Trade and Investment
With durable diplomatic relation, the momentum of Vietnam – Japan Free Trade Agreement (VJFTA), Vietnam – Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (VJEPA), ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (AJCEP) and Comprehensive and…
It may be painful to pander to Trump but businesses reckon it’s worth it
It was all smiles when Donald Trump met business leaders in London and Tokyo recently. They told him they want more trade with the US, despite his disruptive and sometimes…
Sea monster ice cream deserves good table manners
I like chewy, hot squid on a stick – even though it looks like a cross between an ice cream and a sea monster. It’s not easy to eat, though,…
What is the Japanese army doing in Egypt?
It’s hard to imagine the Japanese Self Defence Force going to war in Egypt. But two officers are heading there to try to keep the peace between Egypt and Israel….
Meet the monster that eats Japanese dreams
Wild beasts trouble the Japanese in their nightmares, according to a big scientific study of their dreams. By contrast, Americans dream of finding money, being nude and encountering people who…
Pacifist or Peacemaker: What were Emperor Akihito’s views on war?
The international media are using the start of Japan’s new era to look closely at the role of the Emperor. Reporters are interested in the words and gestures used by…
Are salarymen figures of myth
Are Japanese workers are slaves with no mind of their own? Maybe it’s time to rethink the salaryman stereotype. Do you sometimes feel sorry for the poor Japanese salarymen, slaving…
Burgers on the menu for Japan’s new era
Top of the menu for Japan’s new era: millions more burgers and fries The media are full of excitement about Japan’s new era of beautiful harmony. But what will people…
Unruly, exotic and strange. Is that the Japanese view of foreigners?
Some foreigners get fed up with how we’re portrayed in Japan’s media. Either we’re figures of fun or we’re almost completely invisible. It’s rare to see a foreign character in…
What is the Market Readiness Framework?
Two major sporting events, Japan Rugby 2019 and Tokyo 2020 are just around the corner, with the Osaka World Expo following in 2025. It’s the ideal time to get your…
Trump and Kim have stopped talking, so things may be safer for Japan
North Korea still scares Japan but maybe less than before There’s even relief Trump and Kim stopped talking Japan has long lived in fear of an attack by North Korea….
How do the Chinese see Japan
Why are the two countries so different emotionally? People from China often seem puzzled by the emotions of the Japanese and regard them as rather strange. They wonder why the…
Gay marriage challenges Japan’s view of love and law
“Why don’t we even have the simple choice of whether or not to get married?” asks Yoko Ogawa, who has been in a partnership with a woman for 25 years….
Japan’s Emperor called upon to apologise to South Korea
The relationship between Japan and its neighbour South Korea is in a mess. Politicians from the two countries are still disputing events which date back to the first half of…