The Emperor will turn 80 late this year. Next January will mark a quarter century since his accession to the Chrysanthemum throne. The Emperor was enthroned as “the symbol of the State” under the current Constitution, becoming the first head of the Imperial family in its 1,300-year history to assume that position from the beginning of his reign. The Emperor has since joined hands with his wife the Empress, who is 78, in exploring the proper status of a national symbol in a...
Read MoreTokyo Public Servants Tango to Buenos Aires for Olympic Bid
It’s a bit late for summer vacations, but a group of Tokyo civil servants has booked tickets to Buenos Aires to cheer on thecity’s bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics–paid for by themselves and with donations from colleagues, and using their own holiday time. About 40-50 Tokyo Metropolitan Government employees plan to depart Wednesday or Thursday ahead of the Sept. 7 International Olympic Committee’s announcement of the winning city, according to a metropolitan government...
Read MoreWhat to read: Geisha of Gion by Mineko Iwasaki
This book is a real page turner! Mineko Iwasaki was the foremost geisha of her time, to the extent where she became a legend and was invited to entertain the highest levels of world society. When Arthur Golden wrote his novel, Memoirs of a Geisha, he consulted with Mineko but was apparently sworn to silence. Unfortunately, he then went on to tell people that it was Mineko who had spoken with him about the life of geisha in Japan; Mineko herself was upset that he had twisted...
Read MoreOnly in Japan: Try this “dirt menu” at Ne Quittez Pas with actual, … dirt!
It reads like a palate-pleasing menu. You start out with a truffle soup, followed by oysters and then a main course of flounder with risotto and vegetables. There’s a side of potatoes and you finish it off with a scoop of ice cream. Here’s the twist — this all comes with a generous helping of dirt. Not normal, backyard variety dirt, special nutrient-rich soil. The unique tasting menu is the creation of Toshio Tanabe, a former gymnast and boxer turned...
Read MoreThings to do: this week in Tokyo September 4- September 8
Tokyo Tower 2020 light-up Until Sat Sep 7, 2013 Tokyo Tower Tokyo Tower is doing its part to get the city into the spirit of the Games. Check it out after dark to see it lit up in the Olympic colours of green, yellow, blue and red, with the shut-off observatory lights representing black to complete the set. Catch it while you can – the lights will only be on until the announce date (September 7). Details Open Until Sep 7 Time 5-10pm...
Read MoreWhat to read: Princess Masako: Prisoner of the Chrysanthemum Throne
The Japanese royal family has long since been steeped in mystery. This book Princess Masako: Prisoner of the Chrysanthemum Throne now changes that and gives you a rare insight in the lives of Nurihito and his wife Masako and their little daughter Aiko who are in succcession for the royal throne. Princess Masako: Prisoner of the Chrysanthemum Throne (ISBN 1585425680) is a controversial 2006 book by Australian investigative journalist Ben Hills. Billed as “The Tragic...
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