Features
Japanese ethical fashion model/entrepreneur and anorexic survivor KIKO aims to change industry
International ethical model KIKO’s day starts at 6 a.m., early enough to do her morning routine of yoga and meditation, make some vegan breakfast, and just in time to get ready to start working at 7:30 a.m. sharp. The energy and passion she carries herself with makes it hard to… Read
Some helpful tips on Japanese etiquette
As an expat, I can confirm that life in Japan takes some getting used to. Several customs are unique to the island nation, and there are more than enough social nuances and contexts to follow. Home life also takes some adjusting as apartments are arranged somewhat differently than back home.… Read
Japan’s first-ever ramen restaurant reopens after 44 years
There are plenty of unique ramen restaurants around Japan that proudly boast unique attributes like Michelin stars, idol singers, and straight-up fire, but only one can lay claim as being the country’s very first ramen restaurant, and that accolade goes to Rairaiken, which opened in in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood in 1910. Back then, Rairaiken was staffed… Read
WHO chief warns against 'vaccine nationalism'
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Sunday called for global solidarity in the rollout of any future coronavirus vaccine, as the number of cases soared across the world. In a video address at the opening of the three-day World Health Summit in Berlin, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said… Read
Japanese restaurant chain starts new policy: Letting you take your leftovers home with you
Japanese restaurants have a lot of hospitable touches to them, like the oshibori, a thick, moist hand towel (chilled in the summer, but warm in the winter) and an on-table call button so you can summon a waiter without having to raise your voice. Something they generally don’t have, though, is… Read
How fetal cells from the 1970s power medical innovation today
It is no secret that thousands of laboratories around the world use cells derived from a fetus that was aborted decades ago to develop vital medicines. But it is a contentious topic in the U.S., where conservatives and anti-abortion activists have long deemed the practice unethical. The matter is once… Read
Travel-starved 'passengers' dine on parked Singapore Airlines jet
Hundreds of travel-starved diners ate lunch and watched seat-back films aboard two parked Singapore Airlines jets turned into pop-up restaurants on Saturday. With the aviation industry in deep crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic, airlines have turned to alternative ways to raise cash, from offering "flights to nowhere" to tours… Read
High stakes for Earth's climate future in U.S. election
The United States presidential election will be "make or break" for the planet after four years during which Donald Trump frustrated global efforts to slash emissions, climate experts warn, fearing his re-election may imperil the world's chances of avoiding catastrophic warming. In a year dominated by the coronavirus pandemic, increasing… Read
Studio Ghibli flower candles featuring Kiki and The Baron are perfect for an anime aesthetic interior design
As a brand, Donguri Closet focuses on the strong heroines of Studio Ghibli’s memorable films and provides trendy goods for image-conscious fans. We've seen dresses modelled on Kiki's outfit in the movie "Kiki's Delivery Service," and even Calcifer's bacon and eggs from "Howl's Moving Castle" in earring form. Now for those interested… Read
Nigaoe: Caricature culture in Japan and a peek inside So Watanabe’s work
Whenever I travel to a new place, I like getting something that will make me remember my trip and one thing I fall for (besides the magnets that I usually end up on my fridge) are caricatures. Caricatures are such a lovely souvenir and not only will make you laugh… Read
