Stories about Japan from March, 2015
Recycled Cooking Oil Fuels LED Cherry Blossoms in Energy-Conscious Japan
Special wintertime lights clash with Japan's efforts to reduce power consumption following the Fukushima nuclear disaster. The seasonal tradition could use alternative fuels, like the Meguro River's "cherry blossoms" do.
Protesters in Taiwan Rally Against Nuclear Power
As many as 45,000 people in Taiwan protested plans to extend the service lives of the country's two oldest nuclear power stations.
Confessions of Former Japanese ‘Netto-Uyoku’ Internet Racists
Japanese online commenters who engaged in hate speech say they were attracted to the world of far-right Internet commenting in order to stop feeling lonely.
How One Fukushima Family Is Moving on Four Years After the Great East Japan Earthquake
Four years on, Japanese blogger Takayoshi Saito recounts how his youngest sister and her family fared in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami.
Japanese Power Utility Finally Admits Fukushima Meltdown
Tepco's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power facility was severely damaged following the massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami that occurred on March 11, 2011.
Nintendo Finally Goes Mobile After Years of Resisting
"Although Nintendo's decision to enter the mobile market is a sign of the times and is a business decision, it's a bit of sad situation."
Film Captures Cramped Lives of Japan's ‘Net Cafe Refugees’
In the mid-2000s, some Japanese who do not earn enough to rent their own apartments began living in Internet cafe booths, considered a step above living on the street.
Katsuo Ningen, the Humanoid Severed Fish Head That Won Japan's Heart
In a country used to mascots, even Japanese people are surprised by "Bonito Man," better known as Katsuo Ningen, who represents one of Japan's most isolated prefectures.
A Candy-Powered Rocket in Japan? Challenge Accepted!
People from all over Japan participated in the Candy Rocket Project, embarking on a mission to launch a rocket. Candy maker UHA Mikakuto uploaded the results in cool YouTube video.
Denying Japan’s Responsibility for WWII Sex Slaves Only Makes Japan Look Worse
"The more you argue 'No problem, because they were prostitutes. And it was private contractors who brought them, not the Japanese army,' the worse you look."
A Week in the Life of a Tokyo ‘Salary Man’
A recent video by prolific YouTube vlogger has gone viral, reaching more than half a million views. The video highlights Japan's working hours, and government effort to address the issue.
A Move to Recognize Same-Sex Marriage in Japan Reveals Hidden Prejudices
If the statute is passed it will be the first time same-sex unions will be recognized by Japanese law.
