These anti-bacterial wipes will keep your smartphone germ-free
With fear of the coronavirus all pervasive, companies are scrambling to come up with products to meet the demand for reassurance. Case Mate, a leading…
COVID-19
Demand for hotel rooms still sluggish despite ‘Go To’ campaign to boost domestic tourism
The coronavirus pandemic is continuing to take a grim toll on Japan’s tourist trade. A month has passed since the government launched its ‘Go To’…
Trick-or-treating during a pandemic? These face shields have your kids covered
Halloween is still more than two months away, but some parents may already be making plans. Although things are supposed to be a bit spooky…
Stuck-at-home travelers turn to virtual trips during the summer months of the pandemic
The ongoing pandemic has changed the landscape in Japan. While certainly not alone, the country has seen a dramatic change in the industries that keep…
During pandemic, Japanese investors shy away from Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies and save cash
Japan appears poised for hard times. Exports have plummeted and job losses and pay cuts are a haunting specter. Domestic demand, slammed late last year…
Minor hero from Kinnikuman wants to save the world from coronavirus with non-contact hook
Kinnikuman Maybe you’re a fan of classic Japanese manga and anime and you got into Kinnikuman that way. Maybe you live in Japan and have…
Going Home For Obon: How COVID-19 Has Changed Everyone’s Plans
Florentyna Leow, JAPAN Forward Every year on the 14th of August, the Matsuyama family loads up their car with 10 lanterns in preparation for the…
Go To Travel – Pluses and Pitfalls
Go To Travel – A Brief History On July 10, 2020, the Japanese government announced the launch of their “Go To Travel” campaign to start…
How Residents feel about Bernie Sanders, gay marriage, lockdown, and other hot issues
In my experience, it’s occasionally challenging to understand the politics of Japanese people. While some residents, like the numerous right wingers, are very outspoken, it…
‘Smart masks,’ sewage testing, and other innovations limiting the fallout of COVID-19
So far, the fallout of COVID-19 in Japan has been relatively limited. Despite never instigating a full lockdown or other draconian measures, the country has…
Japan’s corona-fighting monster Amabie makes a surprise appearance in a fireworks festival
If you’re interested in Japan and have been following some of the news in the last few months, chances are you’ve heard of Amabie. The…
Thermogate Zero compact thermographic scanner now on sale to the general public
Thermographic imaging, through cameras, scanners, or other devices, is an important screening technology that has been marshaled in the fight against the novel coronavirus. You…
COCOA COVID-19 App: Guide to the new coronavirus tracking application
COCOA, also known as the “contact confirmation application” is a new smartphone application that can make a difference in our fight with the COVID-19. Whoever…
Japan to Partially Lift Travel Ban
Amidst an apparent second wave of Covid-19 infections centered in Tokyo, the Japanese government is looking to ease travel restrictions to allow re-entry for some…
Untouched deliveries and stand-in baseball fans: Japanese robotics join COVID-19 fight
If you’re an avid reader of Grape Japan, you’re well aware that Japan is experiencing a robot renaissance. According to the World Robotics – Industrial…