Latest posts by Nevin Thompson from December, 2014
Harrowing Tohoku Tsunami Stories, Translated Into English
The Kahoku Shimpo, a major newspaper in Tohoku, is publishing English translations of its unique first-hand accounts of the March 11, 2011 "triple disaster" with the help of Harvard University.
Small Fries, Big Problems for Japan's McDonald's
A port strike in the U.S. is causing a potato shortage in Japan and affecting McDonald's menus. But the company has more to worry about than just French fry rationing.
Have the Japanese Become ‘Numb’ to Earthquakes?
Following a strong 6.8 earthquake in November, Twitter users noticed that the Japanese seemed to brush it off easily, only three years after the 3.11 Tohoku Triple Disaster killed thousands.
What Does Japan’s State Secrecy Act Mean for Free Expression?
Japan’s controversial State Secrecy Act became law on Wednesday, December 10. The law imposes strict penalties on leakers of state secrets.
Tokyo Marches in Solidarity With US Protesters #TOKYO4FERGUSON
On December 6th the African American Youth Travel Program (AAYTP) organised a protest against police brutality, racism and injustice in solidarity with the protests around the world.
Spending Christmas Eve Alone? Japanese Has a Word for That
"At work a bunch of the junior staff were discussing their kuribotchi plans. 'And just what the heck is kuribotchi?' I asked with a laugh. There was an awkward silence."
Why ‘Maternity Harassment’ Was a Top Japanese Buzzword in 2014
Even as the status of women has slowly improved in Japanese society, maternity harassment remains a serious issue. Japan's Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of a harassment victim.
Japan's Long Winter Has Only Just Begun
Winter conditions normally seen in February are hitting Japan, making for hazardous driving conditions, excellent television of wind-driven storm surges, and snowy landscapes.