Features
SanktGallen’s Apple Pie Ale is best autumn brew since the Pumpkin Spice Latte
More so than all the others, fall is the season for sounds. The crispy crackle of autumn leaves. The crunch of fresh frost while treading through a field. The chink of cups and whistle of espresso machines that accompanies the seasons first hot coffee. This is the seasonal percussion accompanying… Read
Social media and COVID shaming: Fighting a toxic combination
In the spring, Rick Rose drew the wrath of strangers after he practically shouted on Facebook that he wasn’t buying a face mask. Two months later, he contracted COVID-19 — and, he posted, he was struggling to breathe. Days later, on July 4, he was dead. That post, among the… Read
Gundam can now be part of your signature in Japan with 'Mobile Suit Gundam' personal seals
When signing important documents in Japan, it’s common not to whip out a pen, but a personal seal stamp. With names written in Japanese often having far more strokes than they would in the Latin alphabet, a personal seal (called an inkan in Japanese), can save you a lot of time… Read
Dress more motherly? Japanese TV talent, single mom Kuran rejects criticism of revealing photos
The illustration we used for this article depicts three women which the stock photo service PIXTA has captioned "fashionably dressed mothers." This reveals a certain expectation about the limits of acceptable fashion for mothers. But what happens when a mother decides to go outside of those rather staid "limits" and… Read
Grand Nikko Awaji to open Oct 1
Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Hotel Okura Co Ltd, will open the Grand Nikko Awaji on Oct 1. After being operated as The Westin Awaji Island and managed by Yumebutai Co Ltd and Marriott International Inc for 20 years, the hotel will be rebranded as a… Read
'Accident properties' are cheaper, but are the savings worth it?
Are you on a tight budget and looking for a break on the monthly rent? Shukan Post (Oct 9) may have a solution -- if you're not too squeamish. It seems that more than 50,000 houses and apartments around Japan are listed as jiko bukken (properties where "accidents" have occurred). … Read
Tiny airborne particles may pose a big coronavirus problem
At a University of Maryland lab, people infected with the new coronavirus take turns sitting in a chair and putting their faces into the big end of a large cone. They recite the alphabet and sing or just sit quietly for a half hour. Sometimes they cough. The cone sucks… Read
Japan now has an alcoholic popsicle that’s not banned for children
One of the most popular popsicles on the market in Japan is the Suika Bar. Translating to “Watermelon Bar”, this icy confection is shaped like a slice of watermelon and looks just like one, with red watermelon juice and chocolate “seeds” scattered throughout. Particularly popular with young people during the summer months, the… Read
Highway in Japan has terrifying traffic safety reminder
Pretty much every stretch of highway in Japan has signs to periodically remind you of the importance of staying safe while on the road. “Let’s all drive safely,” “Curves ahead: Watch your speed,” and “If you’re feeling tired, pull over at the rest area and take a break” are all… Read
Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine produces strong immune response in early trial
A single dose of Johnson & Johnson's experimental COVID-19 vaccine produced a strong immune response against the coronavirus in an early-to-mid stage clinical trial, according to interim results. The vaccine, called Ad26.COV2.S, was equally well-tolerated at two different doses, the results showed. A single shot, versus a rival two-dose approach… Read
