Japan

How Japan keeps its trains safe from earthquakes

Japan in Focus

Japan experiences more earthquakes than any country. But its transit system remains remarkably safe. The bullet train, for example, has never seen a death or serious injury due to an earthquake or tsunami. Japan may offer lessons to other countries as climate change causes more natural disasters globally.

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

How an Australian expat became the voice of Japan’s most-famous train

Japan in Focus

In Japan, an automotive light bulb manufacturer pivots to growing mushrooms 

Japan in Focus

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.

Fake news? Unpacking the ‘Blue Zone’ myth in Okinawa.

Japan in Focus

For decades, Okinawa has prided itself as a hot spot for longevity. In 1999, the Japanese islands were listed as one of five “Blue Zones,” where people statistically live the longest, often into their 100s. A strong diet and emphasis on human connection were thought to be some of the biggest contributing factors. But new research suggests the entire concept of Blue Zones is a myth.

In Okinawa, an independence movement finds an unlikely ally

Japan in Focus

For a small but vocal group of mostly older activists, reclaiming Okinawa’s history as the Ryukyu Kingdom and pushing for independence from Japan is a deeply personal mission. It’s being supported by an unlikely ally: Beijing.

Nobuko Oshiro: Okinawa’s only female karate grandmaster

Japan in Focus

Training in karate was not always easy for Nobuko Oshiro, who faced bullying and harsh treatment from her instructors as one of the few women in the sport. Now at 77, she is Okinawa’s only female grandmaster and runs a renowned dojo, inspiring students from around the world.

Whaling continues in Japan despite worldwide protests 

Japan in Focus

Despite a global outcry and growing unpopularity, Japan’s whaling industry continues to thrive. Although whale meat sales have declined sharply over the years, most Japanese people continue to believe in their right to the delicacy.