Noteworthy Japanese News
The following human-interest articles have been carefully selected from English versions of prominent Japanese newspapers for their use in the K-12 classroom. They can be used in a variety of ways: to introduce current events in Japan or as a basis for comparison with the United States. For each article, we've included a brief description and/or relevant excerpt.1,000 years of 'Genji'
The world's first novel has been delighting readers for a millennium
Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008
By ERIKO ARITA/Staff writer
JAPAN TIMES
This article gives a brief historical overview and synopsis of The Tale of Genji before giving a more in-depth analysis of selected chapters. This article is of particular interest to English and Global Studies teachers.
"'Genji Monogatari,' known as 'The Tale of Genji' in English, is believed by many scholars to be the first full-length novel in world literature. Marking the 1,000th anniversary since its creation, today's Timeout introduces this masterpiece that draws readers into a beautiful world gone by full of passion, pleasures and sorrows of men and women."
Rental robotic suit helps disabled walk
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008
JAPAN TIMES
"TSUKUBA, Ibaraki Pref. (AP) A robotic suit that reads brain signals and helps people with mobility problems became available this week to rent in Japan for ¥220,000 a month — an invention that may have far-reaching benefits for the disabled and elderly."
VENDING MACHINES: Anything, any time, anywhere
Those ubiquitous high-tech vending machines offer everything under the sun — and more
Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2008
JAPAN TIMES
Offering a window to the vending machine culture in Japan, this article can be used to start conversations with your students about consumer habits, technology, and society. Possible thought questions include: why haven't vending machines become as popular in the USA as they are in Japan? Why are Japanese vending machines more technologically advanced than those in the USA? Can students think of other ways vending machines may evolve in the future?
"Unlike most other countries, Japan is dotted with thousands of vending machines that allow consumers to buy a wide range of products at any time of the day or night, eliminating the need for inconvenient trips to the store."
How green are Japan's urbanites?
By TOMOKO OTAKE and ERIKO ARITA/Staff writers
JAPAN TIMES
"Still, each of these personal (environmentally friendly) gestures can make a difference. So for all those guilt-ridden readers, here is a reminder of how they help. The Japan Times' list of 10 green activities anyone can engage in is also a chance to check out how the Japanese consumer stacks up against others around the world. "
