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Japan news from Japan Times

• Heat waves impact Japan's rice quality, leading to shortage

  Despite 2023's harvest volume being on par with previous years, high temperatures have caused rice grains to develop a cloudy look or break into pieces.

• Japan's Sado gold mines added to World Heritage list

  The site is associated with Korean wartime labor and was once the world's largest gold mine complex.

• NASA did not say it found life on Mars. But it’s very excited about this rock.

  The rock has been closely analyzed by scientists on Earth who say that nonmicrobial processes could also explain its features.

• The illicit flow of technology to Russia goes through this Hong Kong address

  Defying sanctions, Moscow has obtained nearly $4 billion in restricted chips since the war began in Ukraine.

• Japan touts G20 reaffirmation of forex commitments as key achievement

  The commitments say G20 nations recognize that disorderly movements in exchange rates can have adverse implications for economic and financial stability.

• A mysterious plot prompts a rare call from Russia to the Pentagon

  Russia’s defense minister said he needed to talk to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin about an alleged Ukrainian operation. What happened next remains murky.

• Silent no more, Harris seeks her own voice without breaking with Biden

  The U.S. vice president's expressions of concern for Palestinian suffering marked a shift in emphasis from the president’s statements.

• Harris team champions her ‘strong’ foreign policy record in memo

  The VP's team sent memo to national security professionals highlighting the new Democratic nominee’s "strong record” on foreign policy.

Asia/Pacific news from Japan Times

• The illicit flow of technology to Russia goes through this Hong Kong address

  Defying sanctions, Moscow has obtained nearly $4 billion in restricted chips since the war began in Ukraine.

• North Korea is trying to steal military secrets, U.S. and allies say

  North Korea has a long history of using covert hacking teams to steal sensitive military information.

• Raid on Philippine gambling hub unravels elaborate scheme implicating mayor

  The scandal has fueled calls for a ban on the online gambling industry over its links to financial scams, kidnapping, prostitution, human trafficking, torture and murder.

• Survivors recount trauma as New Zealand releases child abuse report

  Many survivors suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and resorted to substance abuse and violence as a result of the trauma.

• Hong Kong court dismisses Jimmy Lai's bid to end national security trial

  The founder of now-shuttered pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily faces charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and to publish seditious material.

• Tanker capsizes off Philippines, with one crew missing amid oil spill

  The ship was carrying 1,494 metric tons of industrial fuel.

• ASEAN seeks to tackle the Myanmar crisis and South China Sea tensions

  ASEAN's foreign ministers will discuss efforts to end the Myanmar conflict that has turned into a civil war.

• China braces for Typhoon Gaemi after it pounds Taiwan and Philippines

  The typhoon was expected to approach China’s coast with winds of 129 kilometers per hour.

Culture news from Japan Times

• Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale's quiet expansion of hyper-local art

  The event’s ninth edition doesn’t offer new bangers, but its detailed installations in the verdant mountains of Niigata Prefecture still present a unique experience.

• ‘Mononoke the Movie: The Phantom in the Rain’: A fast and furious visual spectacle

  Kenji Nakamura’s cinematic sequel to his “Mononoke” anime series is an overwhelming onslaught of sights and sounds.

• ‘Who’s That Girl?’: Junior high school antics just got scarier

  J-horror master Takashi Shimizu’s latest offers familiar genre elements with a practiced hand and fresh twists.

• Ahead of her Fuji Rock set, Kim Gordon weighs in on punk and U.S. politics

  The former Sonic Youth bassist, guitarist and vocalist is in Japan for the first time in over 10 years to promote her latest album, "The Collective."

• In uncertain times, Taiwanese art flourishes

  New museums and a lively creative scene reflect an evolving, forward-looking society.

• Netflix’s ‘Tokyo Swindlers’ is this summer’s guiltiest pleasure

  The flashy new series about real estate scammers is a ridiculous treat to watch.

• Heading to Fuji Rock? Make sure to bring these essentials.

  Before traveling to Niigata Prefecture for a weekend of music, check your bags for these handy items.

• Domestic acts at Fuji Rock's smaller stages are not to be missed

  From Summer Eye to Nene, this year’s gathering offers one of the strongest collections of Japanese music present at a large-scale festival in recent times.

Sports news from Japan Times

• South Korea expresses 'regret' over Olympics opening ceremony gaffe

  The South Korean athletes were introduced as representing the Democratic People's Republic of Korea — the official name for North Korea.

• Paris Olympics kick off with rain-soaked — but grandiose — opening ceremony

  The sprawling opening ceremony delivered on the promise to send athletes down the River Seine and culminated in the stirring return of superstar singer Celine Dion.

• Hip-hop legend Flavor Flav relishes role as hype man for U.S. water polo team

  The rapper is using his fame to help support the U.S. team.

• Team Japan not impacted by French train attacks ahead of opening ceremony

  The French railways system was hit by a series of attacks on Friday.

• The Japanese Olympians looking to shine in Paris

  Team Japan is looking to build on the momentum from three years ago in Tokyo, where the nation earned a record medal haul.

• Ahead of the Olympics, Japan is still talking about the gymnast who won't be there

  At a time when sports fans in Japan are usually united in support of the nation's athletes, one issue is proving divisive: Shoko Miyata's withdrawal.

• Coco Gauff 'going in blind' as she prepares to carry U.S. flag in Paris

  The world No. 2 tennis player will join NBA superstar LeBron James as the U.S. flag bearers for the opening ceremony.

• How London paved the way for Olympics sustainability

  Before Paris, London demonstrated in the 2012 Olympics that host cities didn’t have to end up with empty venues long after the Games are over.

Life news from Japan Times

• The dancer keeping Osaka’s Nakazakicho indie

  Nakazakicho’s transformation is more than the success story of a small neighborhood turning the tide against inner-city decay.

• Assassin's Creed makers defend 'creative liberties' in Black samurai row

  UbiSoft, the game's maker, said its Assassin's Creed games aren't meant to be perceived as factual representations of history or historical characters.

• Whether it's the pool or the park, teach your kids how to be safe this summer vacation

  Your children are likely to sneak out of the house for some fun while school is out. Make sure they know the importance of "squid sushi."

• Going eel-less for Japan’s midsummer tradition

  Japanese eel is endangered, but sardines are an ethical — and delicious — substitute for this year’s double Doyo no Ushi no Hi.

• Tokiwa Sushi: Niigata sushi master with a hometown, locavore focus

  "Tuna from Niigata Prefecture is the mainstay of our menu, but it’s only available three months a year," chef Kosuke Kobayashi explains.

• Land of punishment, land of gold

  The Sado Gold Mine may soon become Japan’s newest UNESCO World Heritage site, but the island’s history is much more complicated than a single tourist destination.

• Celebrate o-Bon in style with these elegant crafts

  As o-Bon approaches, On: Design looks at industry mainstay Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten’s latest initiatives to honor the dearly departed.

• Dive into Akutagawa's world of creepy 'kappa' and prewar kanji

  In order to read Japanese works written before the war, you'll need to watch out for the different roles hiragana play in addition to unfamiliar kanji.

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