From early tech dominance to a carefully planned second act In the glow of Japan’s neon cities during the 1980s, the future once felt inevitable. At a time when Silicon Valley was still finding its footing, Japan was already investing aggressively in advanced technologies that promised to reshape society. Government laboratories buzzed with ambition, corporations… Continue reading Japan’s Long Road Back to Artificial Intelligence
Tag: Japan
Japanese Startups Turn to Chatbot-Powered Apps to Treat Medical Conditions
Digital therapeutics gain traction in a traditionally paper-based health system Japan’s healthcare system is often praised for its accessibility and outcomes, but when it comes to digital adoption, it has lagged behind many other advanced economies. Even today, paper medical records, handwritten prescriptions, and in-person consultations remain the norm at many clinics and hospitals across… Continue reading Japanese Startups Turn to Chatbot-Powered Apps to Treat Medical Conditions
Japanese Studies Link Dental Health to Longevity and Long-Term Care Risk
Dental health may be far more than a cosmetic or comfort issue in old age. New research from Japan suggests that the condition of an older adult’s teeth can offer important clues about their overall health, life expectancy and likelihood of requiring long-term care. Two large-scale studies conducted by researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University and… Continue reading Japanese Studies Link Dental Health to Longevity and Long-Term Care Risk
A Sumo Champion and What His Rise Reveals About Japan’s View of Foreigners
Japan’s sporting world was electrified last weekend when Aonishiki claimed victory at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, securing his first Emperor’s Cup with a decisive win over Mongolian yokozuna Hoshoryu. The celebration did not stop there. Only days later, Aonishiki was promoted to ōzeki, the second-highest rank in professional sumo, marking one of the fastest… Continue reading A Sumo Champion and What His Rise Reveals About Japan’s View of Foreigners
How Red Bull Is Winning Over Traditionalists at Omiya Ardija
For decades, Japanese professional football has been defined by a clear boundary between sport and corporate branding. When the J. League launched in 1993, clubs were required to strip their names of overt ties to parent companies, a move designed to create community-based identities rather than corporate teams. Former company sides such as Sumitomo Metal… Continue reading How Red Bull Is Winning Over Traditionalists at Omiya Ardija
Rising Food Prices Are Taking a Toll on Young People in Japan, Survey Shows
Inflation is increasingly reshaping daily life for young people in Japan, with higher food costs forcing many to rethink how much — and how often — they eat. A recent survey suggests that rising grocery prices are placing particular strain on those at the early stages of their working lives. According to research conducted by… Continue reading Rising Food Prices Are Taking a Toll on Young People in Japan, Survey Shows
Inspired by Shohei Ohtani, Japanese Girls Are Redefining What’s Possible in Baseball
In Japan, the roadmap to baseball success has long been well defined for boys. Young players grow up competing in school leagues with dreams of stepping onto the storied field at Koshien, earning a spot in Nippon Professional Baseball, and, for a select few, eventually making the jump to Major League Baseball. It is a… Continue reading Inspired by Shohei Ohtani, Japanese Girls Are Redefining What’s Possible in Baseball
Are New Year Postcards Fading From Japanese Life?
As the year draws to a close, a familiar ritual unfolds across Japan. Address books are reopened, pens come out, and households and offices prepare to send 年賀状 (nengajō) — traditional New Year postcards exchanged to offer seasonal greetings and good wishes. For generations, these cards have been a cornerstone of Japanese social etiquette, reinforcing… Continue reading Are New Year Postcards Fading From Japanese Life?
Christmas Markets Find a Growing Home in Japan
What was once a niche seasonal attraction has quickly become a popular way to experience the holidays in Japan. Christmas markets are now a common sight across major cities, with shopping districts, parks, and large commercial developments hosting festive events that draw both local residents and international visitors. Modeled largely on traditional German Christmas markets,… Continue reading Christmas Markets Find a Growing Home in Japan
Tokyo Extends Its Reign as a Global Dining Capital in the Michelin Guide 2026
Tokyo has once again reinforced its reputation as one of the world’s most influential food cities, retaining its top position in the latest Michelin Guide. The newly released 2026 edition highlights the extraordinary depth and diversity of the Japanese capital’s dining scene, awarding Michelin stars to a total of 160 restaurants across the city. In… Continue reading Tokyo Extends Its Reign as a Global Dining Capital in the Michelin Guide 2026