Latest In commentary

Dealing with stress in the office

The signs are unmistakable. He’s sitting in the corner of Tully’s, tie askew, hair all over the place and an ashtray full of half smoked…

Others In commentary

Taiwan's Ma faces challenges in relations with Japan

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan's president-elect is eager to bolster relations with key economic partner and possible security ally Japan, but those efforts could be hampered by his longtime…

What happens when you’re out of work?

Although I usually refrain from making comments about issues related to law, not least of which because I’m not a lawyer, there are some questions…

Charm offensive marks Hu's Japan trip

OSAKA — Chinese President Hu Jintao's trip to Japan, the first by a Chinese leader in a decade, was marked by less talk of the bitter wartime…

Japan's eco-products get a failing grade

As someone who is passionate about the environment, I was excited to attend the Eco-Products Exhibition in Ariake last December. The annual event, hosted by…

Dumping Fukuda won't solve LDP's problems

Be careful what you wish for. It’s the oldest adage in the book but surely dead right in today’s political climate. Take the position of…

Movie titles in Japan: Jack, we understand your frustration

Last week, marketing officials of the distributor for the film “The Bucket List” must have squirmed when the movie’s star, Jack Nicholson, told a news…

A punching bag on the Odakyu line

I was recently the victim of a random act of violence. To set the scene: I was traveling home in the sardine can known as…

DPJ closer to taking over gov't, but political power in question

Having had its ups and downs since its launch 10 years ago, the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan is seen to have come closer…

Young and bored during Golden Week

Here we are at the start of what normally for many is one of their longest holiday breaks -- Golden Week. But not this year…