Japan’s Hiromu Inada is watching the Tokyo Olympics hoping to pick up some tips from the athletes before he competes in next year’s Ironman world championship, at the age of 90.
Natsuko Fukue
Journalist @AFP Agence France-Presse in Tokyo covering general news.
Olympic Characters Face Stiff Competition in Mascot-Mad Japan
Tokyo 2020’s cutesy Olympic mascots are plastered across the host city, but they have competition in mascot-mad Japan, where cuddly characters promote everything from prisons to health screenings.
‘No Time to Waste’ Warns Japan Climate Activist
Kimiko Hirata has spent nearly half her life fighting to wean Japan off its dependence on coal, and now isn’t the time to slow down, the award-winning activist warns.
Japan ‘Twitter Killer’ Sentenced to Death for Nine Murders
A Japanese man dubbed the “Twitter killer” was sentenced to death by a Tokyo court on Tuesday for murdering and dismembering nine people he met on the social media platform.
A Tokyo Clinic Offers Special Treatment for ‘Injured’ Stuffed Toys
At a Tokyo clinic, a woman in a white coat carefully records the particulars of the newest patient: a sheep-shaped stuffed toy.
Death of Netflix Reality Star Sparks Calls for Japan Bullying Laws
The death of a young Japanese reality TV star targeted by online abuse has sparked an outpouring of grief in the country and calls for stronger measures to tackle cyberbullying.
Traditional Japanese Seal System Hampers Telework for Some
Some Japanese office workers are facing a small, but insurmountable hurdle to staying home under the state of emergency declared in parts of the country over the virus: personal signature stamps.
Women Sushi Chefs Continue to Fight for Equal Space behind the Counter
Women have warm hands, their periods alter their sense of taste and they can’t work long hours — just some of the claims from those in Japan who believe women can’t be sushi chefs.
Snow Problem for Japan’s Ice Sculpture Festival
Every year, tens of thousands of tourists flock to the snow festival in the northern Japanese city of Sapporo, attracted by some 200 large, but intricate ice sculptures.
Journalist Wins High-Profile Rape Case in Japan
A Tokyo court Wednesday awarded 3.3 million yen ($30,000) in damages to journalist Shiori Ito, who accused a former TV reporter of rape in one of the most high-profile cases of the #MeToo movement in Japan.
Japan School Lunches Rated Most Nutritious Among Developed Nations
Japan manages a rare feat for a developed country when it comes to feeding its children — high scores for nutrition but very low obesity rates. One major key? School lunches.