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Tokyo

Japan’s ‘listening lounges’ offer pure music with a side of drinks

Japan in Focus

They go by a few different names, but Japan’s listening lounges are going through something of a revival. They’re music bars where simply sitting and listening to records is the main attraction. In fact, some of these establishments have strict rules against conversation and other distractions like cellphone photos. It’s all to maximize the listening experience, which often relies on extraordinarily expensive vintage stereo equipment that almost nobody can afford at home.

How Tokyo developed a culture of transit in a world of cars

Japan in Focus

South Korean women are calling their leaders to account 

Women & Gender

Japan’s transit system is private. Should other countries consider the same?

Japan in Focus

As Japan’s economy adapts to a tourism boom, so does daily life 

Japan in Focus
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Is retirement officially dead in Japan?

Japan in Focus

An increasing number of elderly people in Japan are a part of the workforce. Some are looking for a sense of purpose, while others need to work to make ends meet. Rebecca Rosman profiled three older workers as they shared the jobs they hold into their golden years.

Japan awakens for the global art market

Japan in Focus

Interest in Japanese art has grown internationally, giving hope to those who have been waiting for the industry to pick up.

In Tokyo, some public toilets inspire wonder

Japan in Focus

In Shibuya, a busy ward in Tokyo, Japan, officials want public toilets to inspire wonder. They’ve recently started a tour of 17 bathroom facilities designed by world-class artists and architects. The World’s Patrick Winn reports.

A portrait of Sasami from her self-titled LP, "Sasami."

‘It’s all mixed’: Sasami makes music inspired by her multicultural heritage 

Movement

Sasami’s latest album, “Squeeze,” is a musical concoction of different genres and influences — including her family’s multicultural heritage as zainichi Koreans. Meklit Hadero, host of “Movement,” our series on music and migration, speaks with Sasami about her family history and upbringing. 

A few customers sneak into a card shop just before closing time in Akihabara, Tokyo.

Pokémon fever once again grips fans around the world

Arts, Culture & Media

The 27-year-old Japanese trading card franchise has exploded in popularity in recent years, leading to frenzied fans, collectors and Pokémon card players fighting for the best cards.

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