Ainu Fight for Own Culture

Japan’s new government improves relations with Japan’s Ainu, the country’s indigenous inhabitants. Al Jazeera reports.

Al Jazeera • Wednesday February 24, 2010 • Society •

Down and Out in Osaka Part 1

Last December Al Jazeera English broadcast a documentary about homeless in Osaka, an issue that I have also been covering since 1995. The Al Jazeera announcer mistakenly claims that the issue is ignored by Japanese media—it is more that the issue is barely known abroad. This is therefore a good introduction into an issue that has plagued Japanese society for many generations. Christian social activist Toyohiko Kagawa already fought the problem as early as the 1920s.

Kjeld Duits • Monday July 6, 2009 • Society • Add Comment

Down and Out in Osaka Part 2

Last December Al Jazeera English broadcast a documentary about homeless in Osaka, an issue that I have also been covering since 1995. The Al Jazeera announcer mistakenly claims that the issue is ignored by Japanese media—it is more that the issue is barely known abroad. This is therefore a good introduction into an issue that has plagued Japanese society for many generations. Christian social activist Toyohiko Kagawa already fought the problem as early as the 1920s.

Kjeld Duits • Monday July 6, 2009 • Society • Add Comment

Dolphin Hunts on the Big Screen

The Cove is a new documentary about the dolphin hunts in Taiji. Read the synopsis:

Kjeld Duits • Wednesday June 17, 2009 • Society • Add Comment

Mexican Flu in Kobe and Osaka

Over 170 patients have now been infected with H1N1 in Kobe and Osaka. The worst hit area is Kobe. About 80% of the people here are wearing protective masks, and over 4000 schools as well as many businesses have been closed. This Associated Press report is already outdated, but gives some of the basic info. The quick spread may persuade the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise its pandemic alert to the highest level.

Associated Press • Tuesday May 19, 2009 • Society • Add Comment

100 Days of Concerts to Re-Open Akihabara's Pedestrian Heaven

It is 8 months since Akihabara’s popular pedestrian heaven was closed because of the murder spree. Fuji News Network reports on a group of Akihabara fans who are holding concerts at a small venue in Akihabara for 100 days to encourage re-opening the pedestrian heaven. I hope they succeed. We already lost the pedestrian heaven of Harajuku, and now only Ginza’s is left in Tokyo.

Kjeld Duits • Monday February 2, 2009 • Society • Add Comment

I am Japanese

Tamarah Cohen of Kansai Gaidai University has created a very interesting, and to many Japanese probably surprising, video series that explores the notion of Japanese identity. Highly recommended.

Kjeld Duits • Monday January 12, 2009 • Society • Add Comment [5]

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