Japan
Tokyo’s trash-collecting samurai takes a fun, zany approach to cleanup
They call themselves the Gomi Hiroi Samurai — or the “Samurai Who Pick Up Litter.” These sword-wielding eco-warriors have turned garbage collecting into a choreographed performance.
Japanese restaurants use AI to combat sushi terrorism
This 80-year-old pudding maker in Tokyo goes viral for his flan-flinging flair
Geologists edge closer to defining the Anthropocene
A musical journey around the globe 2022, a playlist
Japan’s infamous ‘happy’ cult sets sights on the United States
Happy Science is among the most enduring and far-reaching “new religious movement,” as they’re called in Japan.
Contempt for the messiah: The scandal behind Shinzo Abe’s murder
A messianic sect holds sway with Japan’s ruling party. The murder of ex-premier Shinzo Abe is forcing the country to reckon with this shadowy alliance.
Imagining empire: Part II
Critical State, a foreign policy newsletter, takes a deep dive this week into the ways in which memorialization in South Korea is an act of present politics.
Tokyo café specializes in aiding procrastinators
A café manager in Tokyo has developed a particular method to help writers struggling with procrastination complete their work.
Japan's ex-leader Shinzo Abe assassinated during a speech
Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was delivering a campaign speech when a gunman shot him from behind. "Japan is in a state of shock. It is a tragic and unprecedented attack," reporter Thisanka Siripala tells The World's host Marco Werman.
A new documentary uncovers the story behind China’s racist ‘blessings video’ trend
These trendy videos often feature African children who are prompted to parrot Chinese greetings and to act in inappropriate ways — for entertainment.
A Tokyo train company moves to become net-carbon neutral
Last month, one railway network in Tokyo switched its entire network to electricity derived from renewable energy. It’s the first time a railway has become entirely net-carbon neutral.
Albanese sworn in as PM in Australia ahead of Tokyo summit
Australia’s new prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has flown to Tokyo for a summit, after being sworn in to office on Monday. He's meeting with the leaders of the US, Japan and India.
Japan gears up for evacuation drills amid spate of North Korean missile tests
The recent spate of North Korean missile tests is déjà vu for people in Japan.
Netflix’s 'Old Enough!' reality TV show sends very young kids on errands by themselves
To an American audience, toddlers crossing the road to go to the supermarket unsupervised or helping with household chores would be considered alarming or negligent. But in Japan, children as young as 6 can be seen taking the train or walking to school. And it’s not viewed as something unusual.