Japan
New book taps into the cultural history of eyeliner
For centuries, eyeliner has been seen as a staple, and often the only beauty item some women and men wear. In culture journalist Zahra Hankir's latest book, "Eyeliner: A Cultural History," readers learn how eyeliner isn't just some superficial beauty hack and that in many cultures around the world, it has been revolutionized and popularized by people of color for medicinal purposes, authority and its cultural ties.
‘It’s all mixed’: Sasami makes music inspired by her multicultural heritage
1,000-year-old Gion Matsuri festival resumes in Kyoto, Japan
Pokémon fever once again grips fans around the world
Tokyo’s trash-collecting samurai takes a fun, zany approach to cleanup
Japanese restaurants use AI to combat sushi terrorism
The latest disturbing TikTok trend in Japan features young pranksters who are contaminating sushi that is served on conveyor belts in restaurants. They share videos of themselves licking sushi rolls or otherwise contaminating plates and condiments. Some restaurants are using AI to fight back.
This 80-year-old pudding maker in Tokyo goes viral for his flan-flinging flair
For more than five decades now, Shizuo Mori, now 80, has been waking up at 4 a.m. to prepare the famous flan-style puddings he serves at Hecklen, his cozy corner café in Tokyo’s Toranomon neighborhood.
Geologists edge closer to defining the Anthropocene
The Anthropocene Working Group is voting on a so-called Golden Spike, a sedimentary layer somewhere on Earth that best exemplifies the global impact of humans on planet Earth. It's the last, big task in formally defining the Anthropocene, which is being proposed as a new age in geologic time.
A musical journey around the globe 2022, a playlist
Music is part of The World’s DNA and, as it turns out, it is something many of the show’s staff appreciate. This playlist with their recommendations will take you on a journey around the globe.
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.