Features
7 Japanese superfoods to boost your immune system
Many traditional Japanese foods are filled with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and even beneficial bacteria (for optimal gut health). Forget the pills and potions—try these Japanese superfoods to naturally keep your body healthy and your immune system strong by adding these to your next grocery store haul. 1.Matcha Matcha was consumed in… Read
Viral virus briefing: Where science meets all things Trump
For a few moments in the Rose Garden, the coronavirus pandemic is a bucking bronco with President Donald Trump on its back. His arm swings an invisible rope. He seems to be hanging on for dear life. “Ride it like a cowboy," he growls. "Just ride it. Ride that sucker… Read
National Geographic releases special edition skateboards in Japan
For over 130 years, National Geographic has been capturing and inspiring people’s minds and curiosity through its groundbreaking storytelling from world-class scientists, adventurers, photographers and filmmakers. Now, National Geographic is attempting to go farther than they ever have before and hope to make a positive influence on the world’s younger generation through… Read
Tourism industry gutted in virus-hit Japan
Cherry blossoms are in season and the ancient Japanese capital of Nara, with its majestic Todaiji Big Buddha temple and its herds of deer, would normally be packed. This year, it's almost deserted, as are most other tourist attractions in Japan as foreign visitors stay away and locals heed warnings… Read
Savoring truffle pasta & red wine in Omotesando with Sarah Crago
In a cozy Tokyo neighborhood sandwiched between Omotesando and Shibuya, an Australian chef and business owner serves up truffle pasta paired with red wine almost every night to regulars and tourists. Savvy Tokyo sat down with Sarah Craigo to find out how and why an experienced marketer and foodie made the… Read
Should you wear a mask in public if you don't have the coronavirus?
If you’re not sick with the new coronavirus, should you wear a mask in public? The World Health Organization says no. U.S. officials are mulling if eventually, that advice might change. That debate is happening amid a shortage so severe that the Joint Commission, which accredits U.S. hospitals, said Tuesday… Read
Nagasaki Minami Yamate releases fresh strawberry pudding
“It tastes just like a strawberry shortcake!” Last year’s popular “fresh strawberry pudding” is back to grace the menus of Nagasaki Minami Yamate Pudding for spring. Nagasaki Minami Yamate Pudding, a local speciality pudding store from Nagasaki City launched the fresh strawberry pudding during the spring of 2019. The desert… Read
Lockdown or lock-in? Fears of alcoholism, addiction in confinement
"Another videoconference happy hour! I'm going to end up an alcoholic..." "At the office, I can't go downstairs to smoke over every little annoyance -- but working from home, nobody knows!" Whether they are tongue-in-cheek comments or anxious, existential questions, testimonials of this kind are now rife on social media.… Read
Cash in hand: Could basic income protect livelihoods in coronavirus crisis?
Once a radical idea on the fringes of mainstream economics, handing out cash to citizens has been mooted in the United States and Britain as a way to protect vulnerable peoples' livelihoods as the coronavirus crisis accelerates. Universal Basic Income (UBI) involves giving citizens cash payments each month to spend… Read
Cherry, peach and plum blossoms: Can you tell them apart?
Spring is slowly but surely sweeping across Japan. And every year it brings...well hay fever for the unlucky. But also FLOWERS! According to government data, last April saw a record high of almost 3 million foreign visitors. And from January to April of 2019, 10.9 million foreign tourists spent some… Read
