Interview with Architect Kunihiko Matsuba

The up-and-coming architect, Kunihiko Matsuba. For his first work, Hirozakari Sake Brewery (Nakanojo-machi, Gunma Prefecture), since becoming independent he has received such prizes as the 11th Yoshinobu Ashihara Award：Merit Award (Japan Association Of Artists Craftsman & Architect Award) and The International Architecture Awards 2012 (The Chicago Athenaeum) and is attracting interest both inside and outside of Japan.

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FC Machida Zelvia Manager Osvaldo Ardiles paints a picture of the past and future of Machida and Japan.

Starting this year, new manager Oswald Ardiles will be leading FC Machida Zelvia, the club that recently received a long-sought promotion to the J-League. Standing at the forefront of soccer since his playing days, Ardiles has taught and directed athletes all over the world. From the viewpoint of a man who understands the world of soccer, what does the future hold for FC Machida Zelvia and soccer in Japan?

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UNITED ARROWS LTD.
"THE STANDARDS OF JAPANESE LIFESTYLE"

UNITED ARROWS LTD. and BEAMS are two of Japan's largest select shops (specialty stores.) Between the two, UNITED ARROWS LTD. was the one which expanded and generated the select shops industry in Japan. Though the numbers of stores are increasing, they do not fail to satisfy the customers and allure the fans. "Why does our company exist?" The company's philosophy is passed down to all the staff members and we decided to discover the true essence that gave way to a new era.

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YOSHIDA & CO., LTD.
"Heart and soul into every stitch"

Established in 1935, Yoshida & Co.,Ltd. is a well-established Japanese bag company holding well-known brands including PORTER and LUGGAGE LABEL. Kichizo Yoshida,who founded Yoshida Kaban Seisakujo (later Yoshida & Co., Ltd.) at the age of 29,began his career in the bag making industry when he was only 12 years old.

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Expat Eats

As a California native living in Japan, I tend to be partial towards the usual "delivery takeout" pizzas from Dominoes or Pizza Hut (although Papa John`s is my favorite thus far) or the made-from-scratch types found at nice Italian eateries. However, the "pizzas" I find in Japan are definitely not what I or any of my other expat friends are used to.

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Wagashi,Japanese Sweets "Ichigestu"

Wagashi is Japanese sweets made by a traditional process, and it is distinguished from European sweets which came into Japan after the Meiji period. It is made almost entirely of plant originated ingredients, using minimal amount of oils.

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Cosplay Festa at Tokyo Dome City 2010.09. Part1

The world's biggest cosplay entertainment event, "Cosplay Festa TDC" was held on from September 18th to 20th, 2010 at Tokyo Dome City Attractions (former Korakuen Amusement Park).

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Real Size GUNDAM moved to Shizuoka

Real size Gundam will appear in a public as an eye-catcher until 2011 Jan. 10 for the event of "World's Capital of a Model, Shizuoka Hobby Fair" sponsorship by Shizuoka city. To commemorate 30th anniversary of Gundam's plastic model "Gunpla", Gundam stands on hometown of Gunpla. It has Gunpla style decal which is different from Odaiba's Gundam, and he holds beam saver on his hand.

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Tokyo Fashion

Out in the streets of Tokyo, style is everywhere. People are always enthusiastic to absorb the latest trends while adding their own unique twists. What's interesting is that fashion in different areas within the city has its distinct color reflecting the lifestyle and backgrounds of the people.

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Legal issue by Tatsuzo Takahashi

No matter if you are Japanese or a foreigner, there are many situations where you'll want some legal counseling. read more→

Foreign worker issue

1. Points to be aware of when working in Japan
2. When you are fired