The Yakuza are Japan’s long-standing criminal network. They’ve been in existence for 400 years and have instilled fear and respect among the population. But are they more than a bunch of ruthless criminals? The truth has a habit of being more complex than first thought. They’ve blighted the country’s history, according to some. Others believe they are a foundation stone of modern society, for better or worse. The organization started […]

Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara worked into his 100s. Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara, credited with building the foundations of Japanese medicine and helping make Japan the world leader in longevity, often practiced what he preached. The physician, chairman emeritus of St. Luke’s International University, and honorary president of St. Luke’s International Hospital recommended several basic guidelines for living a long, healthy life in an interview with Japan Times journalist Judit Kawaguchi. Among them: […]

Japan reported killed at least 333 minke whales in 2017/18 for research-related purposes, according to a report released by the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Of these, 122 were reportedly pregnant when they were hunted down. The IWC has said that two vessels were fitted with whaling canons, which fire spears at high velocity, and sent out to hunt whales. It is alleged that the canons were also equipped with grenades. […]

A volcano in Japan that erupted approximately 7,300 years ago, burying most of the archipelago in thick ash, has been silently preparing to make a powerful comeback, it appears. The Akahoya eruption – known as the strongest volcanic explosions – took place when the Kikai Caldera in Kyūshū, Japan, erupted, spewing about 150 cubic kilometers (36 cu mi) of volcanic material. The blast was so powerful it caused the volcano’s […]

The pristine blue waters and white sandy beaches of beautiful Ishigaki, Japan, has earned the ranking of number one in the world. The island has topped TripAdvisor’s Destinations on the Rise list. The awards, now in its sixth year, recognise 44 destinations around the world selected by measuring year-over-year increase in positive TripAdvisor traveller review ratings for accommodations, restaurants and attractions, as well as increase in search and booking interest. […]

Japan has decided to invest in US Missile Defence system in order to counter the threat that comes all the way from North Korea and their ballistic missiles. The Japanese officials have also invested in the deployment of interceptors of ground-based missiles, which they have bought from the US. The Ministry of Defence is ready to buy two Aegis Ashore Land based systems and are looking forward to ass it […]

Water is an essential part of our lives and it is one of the basic elements required for human survival. It is often advised that one must drink at least eight to ten glasses of water every day to flush out all the toxins and to help it to function properly. Some nutritionists also advise that is great to start you day with a glass of warm water, lime and […]

Reacting sharply to Japan’s plans to step up investment in India’s North-eastern states, China on Friday said that it was opposed to any foreign investment in the “disputed areas” in that region.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe had discussed the possibility of boosting investment from Japan in India’s North East when they met for annual summit-level talks in Gujarat a couple of days ago. Reacting […]

Yoshiko Shinohara is one of the finest examples of entrepreneurial zeal . Shinohara, 82, is Japan’s first self-made woman billionaire who without any formal education has made huge strides in the country. She lost her father at age six, got divorced in her 20s, and made it to the billionaire list without any graduation from college. Shinohara founded TempStaff, a staffing agency in 1973 from a one-bedroom apartment in Tokyo. A […]

Several thousand people along the coast evacuated or were told to evacuate. A powerful earthquake rocked northern Japan on Tuesday, briefly disrupting cooling functions at a nuclear plant and generating a tsunami that hit the same region devastated by a massive quake, tsunami and nuclear disaster in 2011. The earthquake, which was felt in Tokyo, had a magnitude of 7.4, the Japan Meteorological Service said, and was centered off the […]