Photography of flowers in the early modern era of Japan Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Ogawa Kazumasa (1860-1929) was born during the final period of the Edo era in Japan. Hence, the modernizing dynamics that followed during the Meiji period that began in 1868 impacted greatly on Kazumasa. This includes learning photography techniques based…
Art of Japan and reflecting on a different age Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The Japanese artist Soga Shōhaku (1730-1781) went against the grain in the eighteenth century because he was greatly influenced by the Muromachi Period. This period, dated 1336 to 1573, but officially coming into existence in 1338, intrigued Shōhaku greatly. Therefore,…
Japan PM to visit Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates: US and Iran Chika Mori and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times In a sign that America and Iran are seeking to salvage something positive despite heightened tensions, the leader of Japan will go ahead with his regional visit to the Middle East.…
Japan seeks restraint from America and Iran before the planned Self Defense Force mission Sawako Utsumi and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan seeks restraint from America and Iran over the ongoing crisis between both nations. This rupture increased after America killed Qassem Soleimani, the Quds…
North Korea leaves the US door open despite possible new nuclear tests: Japan is looking on Ri Kuk-Chol and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, is letting America know that unless genuine dialogue occurs, then new major military tests may take place. This relates to the possible resumption…
Tourism in Japan: Buddhist holy place and stunning mountain views Chika Mori and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The adorable landscape of this part of Chiba from the lovely ropeway is a treat in itself. Yet, while the views initially soak up the hidden energy of the tourist, this is soon replenished further by…
Japanese art, culture, and ghost stories: The influence of Shinto Chika Mori and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The endless winds of modernization and technological innovation is relentless in Japan. Hence, the religious dynamics of old Japan is but a ghost of its former self, just like the erosion of Christian influence in nations…
Japan to Sweden and the Sterilization of the “unworthy” Chika Mori and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan acknowledged the brutality of forced sterilizations that inflicted vast numbers of people between 1948 and 1996. Hence, compensation will now be given to victims who suffered greatly from the deeds of…
The influential former Japanese PM dies but the legacy of Yasuhiro Nakasone lives on Sawako Utsumi and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Yasuhiro Nakasone finally passed away from this earth at the age of 101 but his political legacy remains strong in modern Japan. The former prime minister led Japan between 1982 and 1987…
Art of Japan and the legacy of Buddhism and culture Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The impact of Buddhism on the art of Kaihō Yūshō (1533-1615) is abundantly obvious and the same applies to the role of this faith throughout his life. Of course, Yūshō isn’t alone when it comes to the enormous impact…
South Korea is intent on terminating GSOMIA and this bodes well for Japan Sawako Utsumi and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The government of Japan and South Korea are at loggerheads over history and other issues. Hence, with South Korea stating that it intends to terminate GSOMIA (General Security of Military Information Agreement), then…
South Africa crush England in Rugby Union World Cup Final in Japan Kanako Mita and Sawako Uchida Modern Tokyo Times The final of the 2019 Rugby Union World Cup witnessed a potent display by South Africa who crushed England. In the end, the final whistle provided mercy for England. Thus, the mighty Springboks demolished England…
Japan puts faith in Myanmar under Aung San Suu Kyi and her democratic path Sawako Utsumi and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The nation of Myanmar is extremely multi-ethnic and multi-religious and under the State Counsellor, Aung San Suu Kyi, this nation is firmly focused on the democratization of this nation. Of course, certain…
Japanese art and the alure of the past on the artistic soul of Kanzan Shimomura Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Kanzan Shimomura (1873 to 1930) is a famous artistic son of Wakayama. Thus, the spiritual and cultural dimension of his art is blessed by the natural traits of Wakayama. Equally important, he was born…
Enthronement of Emperor Naruhito in Japan is proclaimed Chika Mori and Sawako Uchida Modern Tokyo Times An ancient ceremony was held for Emperor Naruhito who claimed his rightful enthronement. This follows on from his father who abdicated based on health grounds. Hence, despite the official reign of Emperor Naruhito being May 1, it is now…
Art and Buddhism crossing from the Middle Kingdom to the Land of the Rising Sun Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The path of Buddhism in China and Japan knows many roads because of various sects. Equally important, the thought patterns of Buddhism and cultural impact are extremely diverse in China and Japan. This equally…
Typhoon Hagibis death toll reaches 75 while 10 people are still not accounted for Noriko Watanabe and Chika Mori Modern Tokyo Times The death toll from Typhoon Hagibis is now 75 people. At the same time, ten people are still not accounted for. Thus, the final figure is likely to increase further. It is known…
Japan reaches the last 8 of the Rugby Union World Cup: New Zealand remains the favorite! Sawako Uchida and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The Japanese rugby union team made history by reaching the last 8 of the Rugby Union World Cup for the first time. Of course, while one shock against Ireland or…
Typhoon Hagibis in Japan leads to many fatalities, missing people, and mayhem Kanako Itamae and Chika Mori Modern Tokyo Times It is known that at least 18 people have perished from Typhoon Hagibis that struck Japan. At the same time, 13 people are still missing but this number could increase. Sadly, the final number of…
Typhoon Hagibis soon to hit mainland Japan – projections unsure if Tokai or Kanto region Sawako Uchida and Kanako Itamae Modern Tokyo Times Typhoon Hagibis is projected to hit mainland Japan on Saturday in the evening or a little later. However, with the direction being changeable, then it is still unsure if it will hit…
Typhoon Hagibis set to hit mainland Japan this weekend Chika Mori and Noriko Watanabe Modern Tokyo Times Japan is bracing for Typhoon Hagibis that is scheduled to reach the mainland this weekend. According to the Meteorological Agency winds of up to 200 kilometers could be witnessed. Therefore, precautions are being put in place and government…
Japan shock Ireland in famous Rugby Union win that lights up the tournament Chika Mori and Kanako Itamae Modern Tokyo Times In the opening matches for Japan and Ireland respectively, it looked like history would repeat itself. After all, Ireland brushed aside Scotland with ease, while Japan had a labored victory against Russia. Hence, knowing…
Japan cements military ties with Australia and the trilateral approach with America Sawako Utsumi and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The governments of Japan and Australia respectively are strengthening military and geopolitical ties. Hence, the latest first-ever joint air combat exercise between both nations is following on from the growing role that Japan took…
TEPCO executives acquitted in Tokyo District Court over Fukushima Nuclear Plant crisis Sawako Utsumi and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The brutal earthquake that hit Japan on March 11, 2011, triggered the devastating tsunami that killed just below 18,500 people. Another horrendous consequence was the Fukushima reactor crisis after the tsunami devastated this nuclear…
Japanese politics and the crushing of democracy: Yes, another Koizumi rises quickly! Sawako Utsumi and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Political apathy in Japan isn’t something new but in some recent elections just below 50 percent didn’t bother to vote – or, slightly over 50 percent did. Thus, the usual dominance of the Liberal…
Typhoon Faxai hits Chiba, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Tokyo, and the surrounding region Kanako Mita and Sawako Utsumi Modern Tokyo Times Typhoon Faxai hit vast swathes of Chiba, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Tokyo, and other parts of the Kanto region in Japan. It appears that Tokyo escaped the worse of the typhoon despite major cancellations of the transport system,…
Japanese Poetry interwoved in the principles of Buddhism and Confucianism Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The early life of Yamanoue no Okura (660-733?) remains shrouded in mystery. Hence, speculation of his birth, be it Paekche in Korea or in Japan is open to debate. Irrespective of this, it is clear that Okura served Japan…
Japanese art and the nuance of joy amid Northern English industrial landscapes Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The contemporary Japanese artist, Sawako Utsumi, adores a plethora of different art styles fused from her native Japan and a mixture of European artists. This notably applies to the Dutch Masters of the sixteenth and seventeenth century,…
57 perish from the heatwave in Japan but the 2020 Olympics to be held in the same period Chika Mori and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times At least 57 people have perished in the last week in Japan based on the horrendous heatwave. At the same time, over 18,000 people have been treated at…
PM Dmitry Medvedev of Russia rebukes Japan over his visit to the Kuril Islands (Northern Territories) Noriko Watanabe and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Medvedev, sharply rebuffed negative comments emanating from political elites in Japan. After all, in the eyes of Medvedev, how can he be…
Japan tourism and the Shokozan Tokei-ji Buddhist Temple in Kamakura Kanako Itamae and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times Kamakura is famous for many adorable Buddhist temples and other important historical realities based on the past importance of this amazing part of Japan. The beauty of Kamakura – for Tokyoites and tourists alike – is…
First Ever Sino-Russian Joint Air Patrol Barely Avoids Triggering Regional Conflict Publication: Eurasia Daily Monitor By: Pavel Felgenhauer The Jamestown Foundation The Chinese Ministry of National Defense published a white paper yesterday, July 24, entitled “China’s National Defense in a New Era.” The document accuses the United States of pursuing “unilateral policies,” provoking “intensified competition…
