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<title>Konnichiwa Today &#45; : LIVING</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/rss/category/living</link>
<description>Konnichiwa Today &#45; : LIVING</description>
<dc:language>en</dc:language>
<dc:rights>Copyright 2026 Konnichiwa Today News &#45; All Rights Reserved.</dc:rights>

<item>
<title>Japanese government sets up new group to deal with trading card boom</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-government-sets-up-new-group-to-deal-with-trading-card-boom</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-government-sets-up-new-group-to-deal-with-trading-card-boom</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has announced plans to establish a new parliamentary group dedicated to the country’s rapidly growing trading card industry. The group will hold… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 15:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, government, sets, new, group, deal, with, trading, card, boom</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has announced plans to establish a new parliamentary group dedicated to the country’s rapidly growing trading card industry. The group will hold…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan’s ultracompact kei car taxis are now ready for travelers to ride, if you know where to find them</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-ultracompact-kei-car-taxis-are-now-ready-for-travelers-to-ride-if-you-know-where-to-find-them</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-ultracompact-kei-car-taxis-are-now-ready-for-travelers-to-ride-if-you-know-where-to-find-them</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Though Japan has a famously convenient rail network, there are times when the route and timing you have in mind for your travel plans mean that hailing a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:04:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan’s, ultracompact, kei, car, taxis, are, now, ready, for, travelers, ride, you, know, where, find, them</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Though Japan has a famously convenient rail network, there are times when the route and timing you have in mind for your travel plans mean that hailing a…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>As defaults on student loans surge, millions in U.S. trying to get their lives back on track</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/as-defaults-on-student-loans-surge-millions-in-us-trying-to-get-their-lives-back-on-track</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/as-defaults-on-student-loans-surge-millions-in-us-trying-to-get-their-lives-back-on-track</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Life after college did not go as Ashley Dreahn planned.
After starting out as a teacher, she went back to school — and took out more loans —… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 2026 15:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>defaults, student, loans, surge, millions, U.S., trying, get, their, lives, back, track</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Life after college did not go as Ashley Dreahn planned.
After starting out as a teacher, she went back to school — and took out more loans —…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Faith vs therapy: Inside the Philippine school for exorcists</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/faith-vs-therapy-inside-the-philippine-school-for-exorcists</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/faith-vs-therapy-inside-the-philippine-school-for-exorcists</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asia&#039;s only dedicated exorcism center -- designed to train not only Philippine priests but clergy from across the region -- sits just off a busy thoroughfare in Metro… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2026 15:04:14 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Faith, therapy:, Inside, the, Philippine, school, for, exorcists</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asia's only dedicated exorcism center -- designed to train not only Philippine priests but clergy from across the region -- sits just off a busy thoroughfare in Metro…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>After job&#45;quitting service, leave&#45;of&#45;absence&#45;request proxy service sees rising demand in Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/after-job-quitting-service-leave-of-absence-request-proxy-service-sees-rising-demand-in-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/after-job-quitting-service-leave-of-absence-request-proxy-service-sees-rising-demand-in-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Job-quitting services have been a thing in Japan for several years now. Essentially you pay a fee to an agency, and they’ll dispatch a representative to inform your… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 15:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>After, job-quitting, service, leave-of-absence-request, proxy, service, sees, rising, demand, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Job-quitting services have been a thing in Japan for several years now. Essentially you pay a fee to an agency, and they’ll dispatch a representative to inform your…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tai chi practitioners seek balance and well&#45;being in fast&#45;paced Beijing</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tai-chi-practitioners-seek-balance-and-well-being-in-fast-paced-beijing</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tai-chi-practitioners-seek-balance-and-well-being-in-fast-paced-beijing</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ One arm raised and the other lowered, hundreds of people move every morning like birds spreading their wings at the heart of Beijing’s Temple of Heaven.
It’s a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2026 15:04:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tai, chi, practitioners, seek, balance, and, well-being, fast-paced, Beijing</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[One arm raised and the other lowered, hundreds of people move every morning like birds spreading their wings at the heart of Beijing’s Temple of Heaven.
It’s a…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Enoshima’s magical night lantern festival is back this summer with spectacular views</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/enoshimas-magical-night-lantern-festival-is-back-this-summer-with-spectacular-views</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/enoshimas-magical-night-lantern-festival-is-back-this-summer-with-spectacular-views</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Summer heat in Japan can be pretty brutal for some people, so it means that a lot of the fun seasonal activities pop up in the evenings, when… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Enoshima’s, magical, night, lantern, festival, back, this, summer, with, spectacular, views</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Summer heat in Japan can be pretty brutal for some people, so it means that a lot of the fun seasonal activities pop up in the evenings, when…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Costs, customs pose challenges in Japan&amp;apos;s promotion of housework services</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/costs-customs-pose-challenges-in-japans-promotion-of-housework-services</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/costs-customs-pose-challenges-in-japans-promotion-of-housework-services</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan is planning to introduce national qualifications for housework services to address the problem of people quitting caregiving jobs. However, experts are questioning whether formal recognition of skills… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:04:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Costs, customs, pose, challenges, Japans, promotion, housework, services</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan is planning to introduce national qualifications for housework services to address the problem of people quitting caregiving jobs. However, experts are questioning whether formal recognition of skills…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Lolita fashion from Japan finds growing fan base in China</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/lolita-fashion-from-japan-finds-growing-fan-base-in-china</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/lolita-fashion-from-japan-finds-growing-fan-base-in-china</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese Lolita fashion, with its lace-trimmed dresses, ruffled collars and voluminous skirts inspired by Western dolls, is winning over a growing number of young women in China, fueling… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Lolita, fashion, from, Japan, finds, growing, fan, base, China</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese Lolita fashion, with its lace-trimmed dresses, ruffled collars and voluminous skirts inspired by Western dolls, is winning over a growing number of young women in China, fueling…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo’s Giga Mart lets visitors &amp;apos;steal&amp;apos; from a convenience store… if cameras don’t catch you</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyos-giga-mart-lets-visitors-steal-from-a-convenience-store-if-cameras-dont-catch-you</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyos-giga-mart-lets-visitors-steal-from-a-convenience-store-if-cameras-dont-catch-you</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A new immersive exhibition opening in Tokyo is giving visitors permission to do something they’d never get away with in real life: steal from a convenience store.
There… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2026 15:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo’s, Giga, Mart, lets, visitors, steal, from, convenience, store…, cameras, don’t, catch, you</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A new immersive exhibition opening in Tokyo is giving visitors permission to do something they’d never get away with in real life: steal from a convenience store.
There…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s first pro street dance league aims for global audience</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-first-pro-street-dance-league-aims-for-global-audience</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-first-pro-street-dance-league-aims-for-global-audience</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Breakdancers and other performers in Japan&#039;s first professional hip-hop dance league are helping drive growing interest in street dance among young people as a new form of entertainment… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:04:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, first, pro, street, dance, league, aims, for, global, audience</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Breakdancers and other performers in Japan's first professional hip-hop dance league are helping drive growing interest in street dance among young people as a new form of entertainment…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Set sail on top of a giant pirate ship to watch Japan’s summer fireworks</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/set-sail-on-top-of-a-giant-pirate-ship-to-watch-japans-summer-fireworks</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/set-sail-on-top-of-a-giant-pirate-ship-to-watch-japans-summer-fireworks</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Combining “summer” and “Japan” together, most people will think of one of three things: high humidity, insufferable mosquitoes, or summer festivals. One of the ways that Japanese people… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2026 15:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Set, sail, top, giant, pirate, ship, watch, Japan’s, summer, fireworks</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Combining “summer” and “Japan” together, most people will think of one of three things: high humidity, insufferable mosquitoes, or summer festivals. One of the ways that Japanese people…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tofu vendor delivers much more than healthy food to an east Tokyo neighborhood</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tofu-vendor-delivers-much-more-than-healthy-food-to-an-east-tokyo-neighborhood</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tofu-vendor-delivers-much-more-than-healthy-food-to-an-east-tokyo-neighborhood</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Akiko Sugaya wheels a cart through the alley-like streets of eastern Tokyo selling tofu, the protein-rich staple favored in much of Asia.
But delivering soybean curd in all… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:04:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tofu, vendor, delivers, much, more, than, healthy, food, east, Tokyo, neighborhood</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Akiko Sugaya wheels a cart through the alley-like streets of eastern Tokyo selling tofu, the protein-rich staple favored in much of Asia.
But delivering soybean curd in all…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>How a British man became Japan’s cheese guy in Okinawa</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/how-a-british-man-became-japans-cheese-guy-in-okinawa</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/how-a-british-man-became-japans-cheese-guy-in-okinawa</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Look at a map of Okinawa, and you probably think of blue sea and palm trees. A little deeper, and perhaps you picture a glass of habushu (snake… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 15:00:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>How, British, man, became, Japan’s, cheese, guy, Okinawa</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Look at a map of Okinawa, and you probably think of blue sea and palm trees. A little deeper, and perhaps you picture a glass of habushu (snake…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan’s Pokémon hot spring reinstalls all damaged statues, adds no&#45;touching rule</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-pokemon-hot-spring-reinstalls-all-damaged-statues-adds-no-touching-rule</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-pokemon-hot-spring-reinstalls-all-damaged-statues-adds-no-touching-rule</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese folk wisdom holds that visiting a hot spring isn’t just a fun and relaxing way to spend the day, but that the naturally heated waters also provide… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 15:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan’s, Pokémon, hot, spring, reinstalls, all, damaged, statues, adds, no-touching, rule</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese folk wisdom holds that visiting a hot spring isn’t just a fun and relaxing way to spend the day, but that the naturally heated waters also provide…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>5 dangerous bugs in Japan and how to avoid them</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/5-dangerous-bugs-in-japan-and-how-to-avoid-them</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/5-dangerous-bugs-in-japan-and-how-to-avoid-them</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ After Japan’s rainy season ends, you may want to keep an eye out for some unwanted house guests. Just like how there are lots of unique things to… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2026 15:04:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>dangerous, bugs, Japan, and, how, avoid, them</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[After Japan’s rainy season ends, you may want to keep an eye out for some unwanted house guests. Just like how there are lots of unique things to…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Chinese repairwomen smash stereotypes with power tools</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinese-repairwomen-smash-stereotypes-with-power-tools</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinese-repairwomen-smash-stereotypes-with-power-tools</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The sound of pliers clicking filled a workshop in eastern China&#039;s Hangzhou as a group of women practiced stripping wires, their female instructor moving around the classroom to… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 12 Jul 2026 15:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinese, repairwomen, smash, stereotypes, with, power, tools</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The sound of pliers clicking filled a workshop in eastern China's Hangzhou as a group of women practiced stripping wires, their female instructor moving around the classroom to…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Who says a vegetable garden needs full sun? Some plants do well in shadier spots</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/who-says-a-vegetable-garden-needs-full-sun-some-plants-do-well-in-shadier-spots</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/who-says-a-vegetable-garden-needs-full-sun-some-plants-do-well-in-shadier-spots</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Conventional wisdom says vegetable gardens need full sun, but a productive garden doesn’t always require the recommended six to eight hours of direct sunlight.
If fences, trees or… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 15:04:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Who, says, vegetable, garden, needs, full, sun, Some, plants, well, shadier, spots</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Conventional wisdom says vegetable gardens need full sun, but a productive garden doesn’t always require the recommended six to eight hours of direct sunlight.
If fences, trees or…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tochigi man shares his family’s process for creating 16 years worth of rice paddy art</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tochigi-man-shares-his-familys-process-for-creating-16-years-worth-of-rice-paddy-art</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tochigi-man-shares-his-familys-process-for-creating-16-years-worth-of-rice-paddy-art</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ For the 16th year, the Nakano family in Nasushiobara, Tochigi Prefecture creates stunning rice paddy art for the public to enjoy. Part of their mission is for visitors… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 15:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tochigi, man, shares, his, family’s, process, for, creating, years, worth, rice, paddy, art</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[For the 16th year, the Nakano family in Nasushiobara, Tochigi Prefecture creates stunning rice paddy art for the public to enjoy. Part of their mission is for visitors…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>As South Korean Buddhism woos Gen Z, how hip is too hip?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/as-south-korean-buddhism-woos-gen-z-how-hip-is-too-hip</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/as-south-korean-buddhism-woos-gen-z-how-hip-is-too-hip</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In fast-secularising South Korea, Buddhism is regaining popularity thanks to a &quot;hip&quot; trend wooing Gen Z with festivals, fashion, robots and DJs, even as some fear for the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:04:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>South, Korean, Buddhism, woos, Gen, how, hip, too, hip</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[In fast-secularising South Korea, Buddhism is regaining popularity thanks to a "hip" trend wooing Gen Z with festivals, fashion, robots and DJs, even as some fear for the…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan has a new maid school, and it’s now accepting applicants for its first term</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-has-a-new-maid-school-and-its-now-accepting-applicants-for-its-first-term</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-has-a-new-maid-school-and-its-now-accepting-applicants-for-its-first-term</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ “Maid School Japan” sounds like a pre-formed multimedia franchise. It’s extremely easy to imagine the trajectory of a 13-episode anime series about earnest newly enrolled students studying to… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/36/7f/91eb038a2cd0908be6d25596363407ed1880/screenshot-2026-07-04-at-10-53-39/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, has, new, maid, school, and, it’s, now, accepting, applicants, for, its, first, term</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[“Maid School Japan” sounds like a pre-formed multimedia franchise. It’s extremely easy to imagine the trajectory of a 13-episode anime series about earnest newly enrolled students studying to…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japanese train company brings back beloved &amp;apos;patapata&amp;apos; departure board…with a clever digital twist</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-train-company-brings-back-beloved-patapata-departure-boardwith-a-clever-digital-twist</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-train-company-brings-back-beloved-patapata-departure-boardwith-a-clever-digital-twist</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ For railway fans in Japan, few station sights are as nostalgic as the patapata departure board. Affectionately named after the patapata (Japanese onomatopoeia for a clattering sound) they… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/fc/3d/e8cba23e19d4d6153ff13f97618723f99fe3/screenshot-2026-07-04-at-10-45-24/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:04:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, train, company, brings, back, beloved, patapata, departure, board…with, clever, digital, twist</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[For railway fans in Japan, few station sights are as nostalgic as the patapata departure board. Affectionately named after the patapata (Japanese onomatopoeia for a clattering sound) they…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Eiko Kadono, author of ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service,’ still believes in the magic of books at 91</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/eiko-kadono-author-of-kikis-delivery-service-still-believes-in-the-magic-of-books-at-91</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/eiko-kadono-author-of-kikis-delivery-service-still-believes-in-the-magic-of-books-at-91</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Eiko Kadono, the author behind Japan’s most famous — and almost certainly most beloved — literary witch, has a little trouble going up the stairs these days.
At… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:00:14 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Eiko, Kadono, author, ‘Kiki’s, Delivery, Service, ’, still, believes, the, magic, books</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Eiko Kadono, the author behind Japan’s most famous — and almost certainly most beloved — literary witch, has a little trouble going up the stairs these days.
At…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Cat stationmasters in Japan: Rural rail’s cutest savior</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/cat-stationmasters-in-japan-rural-rails-cutest-savior</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/cat-stationmasters-in-japan-rural-rails-cutest-savior</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ If you happen to travel around rural Japan by rail, there’s a chance you’ll encounter a cat stationmaster. Japan has a few remarkable local train lines where a… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/79/7a/2a800f830641f13ce379bc2aa48b7340d0dc/pixta-yasu-cat-stationmaster-japan-tama-wakayama/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cat, stationmasters, Japan:, Rural, rail’s, cutest, savior</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[If you happen to travel around rural Japan by rail, there’s a chance you’ll encounter a cat stationmaster. Japan has a few remarkable local train lines where a…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Why you shouldn’t feel guilty about using manga for studying and the top series for learning</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/why-you-shouldnt-feel-guilty-about-using-manga-for-studying-and-the-top-series-for-learning</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/why-you-shouldnt-feel-guilty-about-using-manga-for-studying-and-the-top-series-for-learning</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Was there ever a time growing up when you got yelled at for reading comics instead of studying? At the time, little did those grown-ups probably know that… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/2c/2b/ec253e680fdf9d6f68476e330cd6c8c9b6f8/screenshot-2026-07-01-at-9-38-55/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 05 Jul 2026 15:04:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Why, you, shouldn’t, feel, guilty, about, using, manga, for, studying, and, the, top, series, for, learning</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Was there ever a time growing up when you got yelled at for reading comics instead of studying? At the time, little did those grown-ups probably know that…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Pet&#45;friendly properties prove popular in Japan for both tenants, landlords</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/pet-friendly-properties-prove-popular-in-japan-for-both-tenants-landlords</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/pet-friendly-properties-prove-popular-in-japan-for-both-tenants-landlords</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Condominiums with pet-friendly facilities and designs are proving popular not only with cat and dog owners but also landlords who can charge higher-than-average rents and expect long-term tenants.… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 Jul 2026 15:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pet-friendly, properties, prove, popular, Japan, for, both, tenants, landlords</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Condominiums with pet-friendly facilities and designs are proving popular not only with cat and dog owners but also landlords who can charge higher-than-average rents and expect long-term tenants.…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Nagoya to host World Cosplay Summit</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nagoya-to-host-world-cosplay-summit</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nagoya-to-host-world-cosplay-summit</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The World Cosplay Summit (WCS) in Nagoya is one of the world’s largest international cosplay festivals. This event brings together cosplayers and anime, manga and video game fans… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:04:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nagoya, host, World, Cosplay, Summit</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The World Cosplay Summit (WCS) in Nagoya is one of the world’s largest international cosplay festivals. This event brings together cosplayers and anime, manga and video game fans…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japanese theme park adding Immersive Death Game with a &amp;apos;bomb collar&amp;apos; you have to wear</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-theme-park-adding-immersive-death-game-with-a-bomb-collar-you-have-to-wear</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-theme-park-adding-immersive-death-game-with-a-bomb-collar-you-have-to-wear</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Many would say that Japan’s Huis Ten Bosch theme park, located in Nagasaki Prefecture, is more about the atmosphere than the attractions. Inspired by the Dutch royal palace… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/60/e5/436be5d0c5fe3eb13048ea384b18c276f52f/screenshot-2026-06-26-at-8-50-34/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, theme, park, adding, Immersive, Death, Game, with, bomb, collar, you, have, wear</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Many would say that Japan’s Huis Ten Bosch theme park, located in Nagasaki Prefecture, is more about the atmosphere than the attractions. Inspired by the Dutch royal palace…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan expands disability employment support amid impartiality concerns</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-expands-disability-employment-support-amid-impartiality-concerns</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-expands-disability-employment-support-amid-impartiality-concerns</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A new welfare service designed to help disabled people find jobs suited to their abilities is spreading across Japan, but concerns remain that providers may steer users toward… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:04:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, expands, disability, employment, support, amid, impartiality, concerns</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A new welfare service designed to help disabled people find jobs suited to their abilities is spreading across Japan, but concerns remain that providers may steer users toward…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Why film photography is booming in Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/why-film-photography-is-booming-in-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/why-film-photography-is-booming-in-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Film cameras were supposed to disappear. Instead, more than a decade after film was declared all but dead, they&#039;re becoming fashionable again.
From Gen Z shoppers hunting for… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/39/40/b344dcf46056417b73070c007e3c82b4c260/1920px-sweet_dreams_are_made_of_this_-_flickr_-_hachi_gatsu/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 15:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Why, film, photography, booming, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Film cameras were supposed to disappear. Instead, more than a decade after film was declared all but dead, they're becoming fashionable again.
From Gen Z shoppers hunting for…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Events like World Cup can inspire young athletes and put parents on unfamiliar turf</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/events-like-world-cup-can-inspire-young-athletes-and-put-parents-on-unfamiliar-turf</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/events-like-world-cup-can-inspire-young-athletes-and-put-parents-on-unfamiliar-turf</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Like the Winter Olympics, Masters Tournament and Formula 1 races before it, the World Cup is inspiring some young people to try a new sport and others to… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Events, like, World, Cup, can, inspire, young, athletes, and, put, parents, unfamiliar, turf</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Like the Winter Olympics, Masters Tournament and Formula 1 races before it, the World Cup is inspiring some young people to try a new sport and others to…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>&amp;apos;Alcohol is the best medicine&amp;apos; removed from Japanese government website</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/alcohol-is-the-best-medicine-removed-from-japanese-government-website</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/alcohol-is-the-best-medicine-removed-from-japanese-government-website</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan has long been a country that has embraced alcohol consumption. After-work drinking was considered mandatory at almost every company not too long ago, and you can still… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/e2/2f/24f79b1e5ec76e2697d76323647ffeb72342/screenshot-2026-06-25-at-9-58-05/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 2026 15:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Alcohol, the, best, medicine, removed, from, Japanese, government, website</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan has long been a country that has embraced alcohol consumption. After-work drinking was considered mandatory at almost every company not too long ago, and you can still…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Everyone experiences loss and grief – but that doesn’t make it any easier to talk with kids about it</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/everyone-experiences-loss-and-grief-but-that-doesnt-make-it-any-easier-to-talk-with-kids-about-it</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/everyone-experiences-loss-and-grief-but-that-doesnt-make-it-any-easier-to-talk-with-kids-about-it</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ When I was a school social worker, a teary-eyed father once came to the school to tell his 4-year-old daughter’s teacher that the child’s mother had been in… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/4d/3f/a2e5197f4c13fa4554fbda2133ee5100ddee/istock-690408260/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 2026 15:04:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Everyone, experiences, loss, and, grief, –, but, that, doesn’t, make, any, easier, talk, with, kids, about</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[When I was a school social worker, a teary-eyed father once came to the school to tell his 4-year-old daughter’s teacher that the child’s mother had been in…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Why women’s education isn’t driving Japan’s birth rate decline</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/why-womens-education-isnt-driving-japans-birth-rate-decline</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/why-womens-education-isnt-driving-japans-birth-rate-decline</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As Japan’s birth rate continues to decline to record lows, officials are quick to point the finger at women climbing the career ladder. It’s a misogynistic narrative that… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/df/a6/4c5274fe5e45def0df8f1f549a8c23c23bfa/istock-2228712514/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Why, women’s, education, isn’t, driving, Japan’s, birth, rate, decline</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[As Japan’s birth rate continues to decline to record lows, officials are quick to point the finger at women climbing the career ladder. It’s a misogynistic narrative that…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan opens shrine for plush toys in Kyoto, offering memorial rites and a resting place for remains</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-opens-shrine-for-plush-toys-in-kyoto-offering-memorial-rites-and-a-resting-place-for-remains</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-opens-shrine-for-plush-toys-in-kyoto-offering-memorial-rites-and-a-resting-place-for-remains</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A unique new shrine held its founding ceremony in Japan on June 20, and attendance wasn’t limited to people, as plush toys were warmly welcomed too. That’s because… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/f0/f7/58a9c9324a39187398e0b4e695dc27221f52/screenshot-2026-06-24-at-9-53-27/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:03:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, opens, shrine, for, plush, toys, Kyoto, offering, memorial, rites, and, resting, place, for, remains</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A unique new shrine held its founding ceremony in Japan on June 20, and attendance wasn’t limited to people, as plush toys were warmly welcomed too. That’s because…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Fukuoka schools struggling to get kids to switch from milk to tea in lunches</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/fukuoka-schools-struggling-to-get-kids-to-switch-from-milk-to-tea-in-lunches</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/fukuoka-schools-struggling-to-get-kids-to-switch-from-milk-to-tea-in-lunches</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Small cartons of milk have long been a quintessential part of school lunches, even in Japan, where milk isn’t quite the widely drunk beverage that it is in… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/63/97/90cfd2b6faad25f8f05786c9904a3072abc2/screenshot-2026-06-19-at-8-58-00/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:07:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Fukuoka, schools, struggling, get, kids, switch, from, milk, tea, lunches</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Small cartons of milk have long been a quintessential part of school lunches, even in Japan, where milk isn’t quite the widely drunk beverage that it is in…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tokyo has a cafe that prohibits talking inside</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-has-a-cafe-that-prohibits-talking-inside</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-has-a-cafe-that-prohibits-talking-inside</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In Tokyo you’re never very far away from a convenience store or vending machine, so going to a cafe to have a drink is about more than just… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:03:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, has, cafe, that, prohibits, talking, inside</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[In Tokyo you’re never very far away from a convenience store or vending machine, so going to a cafe to have a drink is about more than just…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Amid depopulation, Buddhist priests aim for community revival</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/amid-depopulation-buddhist-priests-aim-for-community-revival</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/amid-depopulation-buddhist-priests-aim-for-community-revival</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On a Sunday in April, Sairinji temple in Fukuoka in southwestern Japan was bustling with people celebrating Buddha&#039;s birthday. But the religious festivities were also a prime example… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/a4/87/f65b93161b704283b407289e7408fa8668e9/20260618kw___0060700010-ph-----n-ci0004/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Amid, depopulation, Buddhist, priests, aim, for, community, revival</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[On a Sunday in April, Sairinji temple in Fukuoka in southwestern Japan was bustling with people celebrating Buddha's birthday. But the religious festivities were also a prime example…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>People are marrying holograms and making friends with chatbots. But can AI bring true happiness?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/people-are-marrying-holograms-and-making-friends-with-chatbots-but-can-ai-bring-true-happiness</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/people-are-marrying-holograms-and-making-friends-with-chatbots-but-can-ai-bring-true-happiness</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Can technology really replace human relationships? As philosophy scholars who focus on human happiness and on artificial intelligence (AI), we tackle this question in a recent paper.
In… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 21 Jun 2026 15:03:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>People, are, marrying, holograms, and, making, friends, with, chatbots., But, can, bring, true, happiness</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Can technology really replace human relationships? As philosophy scholars who focus on human happiness and on artificial intelligence (AI), we tackle this question in a recent paper.
In…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Dragon Boat Festival links modern China to traditions more than 2,000 years old</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/dragon-boat-festival-links-modern-china-to-traditions-more-than-2000-years-old</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/dragon-boat-festival-links-modern-china-to-traditions-more-than-2000-years-old</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Dragon boat races, lion dances and other festivities marked the Dragon Boat Festival on Friday across mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The more than 2,000-year-old holiday is… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 20 Jun 2026 15:07:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Dragon, Boat, Festival, links, modern, China, traditions, more, than, 2, 000, years, old</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Dragon boat races, lion dances and other festivities marked the Dragon Boat Festival on Friday across mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The more than 2,000-year-old holiday is…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Pachinko machines get new life and become big hit in Japanese assisted care facility</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/pachinko-machines-get-new-life-and-become-big-hit-in-japanese-assisted-care-facility</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/pachinko-machines-get-new-life-and-become-big-hit-in-japanese-assisted-care-facility</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A lot of negative things have been said about pachinko over the years. The pinball-like game’s parlors are noisy, garish blights on communities that encourage quasi-gambling and rudely… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/8e/b1/a6c33bf7bf2f0604908d6695cd5d6eaff9de/screenshot-2026-06-15-at-12-19-29/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pachinko, machines, get, new, life, and, become, big, hit, Japanese, assisted, care, facility</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A lot of negative things have been said about pachinko over the years. The pinball-like game’s parlors are noisy, garish blights on communities that encourage quasi-gambling and rudely…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Moving to Japan with kids: Tips for a smooth transition</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/moving-to-japan-with-kids-tips-for-a-smooth-transition</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/moving-to-japan-with-kids-tips-for-a-smooth-transition</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Moving to Japan with kids is an exciting adventure, and the more prepared you are, the smoother the transition will be — especially if you haven’t lived abroad… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Moving, Japan, with, kids:, Tips, for, smooth, transition</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Moving to Japan with kids is an exciting adventure, and the more prepared you are, the smoother the transition will be — especially if you haven’t lived abroad…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Sanrio Hotel Floria isn’t actually a hotel, but it’s still a must visit for fans traveling in Tokyo</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/sanrio-hotel-floria-isnt-actually-a-hotel-but-its-still-a-must-visit-for-fans-traveling-in-tokyo</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/sanrio-hotel-floria-isnt-actually-a-hotel-but-its-still-a-must-visit-for-fans-traveling-in-tokyo</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Sanrio fans planning to visit Tokyo later this summer will want to make sure to include the Hotel Floria in their plans. You’ll notice though, that we’re not… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/0d/2f/7346b8912ee4c7ea691631ddfd4b7365657e/screenshot-2026-06-15-at-9-00-00/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 15:03:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Sanrio, Hotel, Floria, isn’t, actually, hotel, but, it’s, still, must, visit, for, fans, traveling, Tokyo</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Sanrio fans planning to visit Tokyo later this summer will want to make sure to include the Hotel Floria in their plans. You’ll notice though, that we’re not…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>How Americans celebrated the bicentennial — with fireworks, a Freedom Train and Farrah</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/how-americans-celebrated-the-bicentennial-with-fireworks-a-freedom-train-and-farrah</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/how-americans-celebrated-the-bicentennial-with-fireworks-a-freedom-train-and-farrah</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In 1976&#039;s “ Rocky,” heavyweight champion Apollo Creed arrives for the title fight dressed as George Washington, reenacting the crossing of the Delaware as models costumed as the… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/33/bf/d5c4fd6e89c66f9a9f5197f7238662b3177d/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>How, Americans, celebrated, the, bicentennial, —, with, fireworks, Freedom, Train, and, Farrah</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[In 1976's “ Rocky,” heavyweight champion Apollo Creed arrives for the title fight dressed as George Washington, reenacting the crossing of the Delaware as models costumed as the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Date handsome cockroaches in a new dating sim from one of Japan’s leading pest control companies</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/date-handsome-cockroaches-in-a-new-dating-sim-from-one-of-japans-leading-pest-control-companies</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/date-handsome-cockroaches-in-a-new-dating-sim-from-one-of-japans-leading-pest-control-companies</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Summer in Japan means many things: the dazzlingly vibrant fireworks displays, the refreshing seasonal treats, and sipping on some cold beer in some of the country’s stunning beer… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/d8/b3/54fd5f0ab5d5ccc0a8932722b900e0006b51/screenshot-2026-06-14-at-12-06-10/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Date, handsome, cockroaches, new, dating, sim, from, one, Japan’s, leading, pest, control, companies</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Summer in Japan means many things: the dazzlingly vibrant fireworks displays, the refreshing seasonal treats, and sipping on some cold beer in some of the country’s stunning beer…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Takedao Tunnel Trail: Japan’s abandoned railway hike through dark tunnels</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/takedao-tunnel-trail-japans-abandoned-railway-hike-through-dark-tunnels</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/takedao-tunnel-trail-japans-abandoned-railway-hike-through-dark-tunnels</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In the mountains of Hyogo Prefecture, there’s a walking trail that follows an abandoned railway, tracing the old train tracks and leading through lonely tunnels. In a couple… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 14 Jun 2026 15:07:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Takedao, Tunnel, Trail:, Japan’s, abandoned, railway, hike, through, dark, tunnels</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[In the mountains of Hyogo Prefecture, there’s a walking trail that follows an abandoned railway, tracing the old train tracks and leading through lonely tunnels. In a couple…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Kids learn to bully from adults’ threats, manipulation and criticism: How parents can model better tactics</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/kids-learn-to-bully-from-adults-threats-manipulation-and-criticism-how-parents-can-model-better-tactics</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/kids-learn-to-bully-from-adults-threats-manipulation-and-criticism-how-parents-can-model-better-tactics</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ “Do what I say, or you’re not invited to my birthday party!”
“I’m not going to be your partner on the project unless you give me the treat… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/43/fa/9aa3df3c01ecb3a3e80ce17eed7ebea27052/istock-1178346866/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2026 15:03:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Kids, learn, bully, from, adults’, threats, manipulation, and, criticism:, How, parents, can, model, better, tactics</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[“Do what I say, or you’re not invited to my birthday party!”
“I’m not going to be your partner on the project unless you give me the treat…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Bookstores offering gyms, cafes, lounges to attract customers</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/bookstores-offering-gyms-cafes-lounges-to-attract-customers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/bookstores-offering-gyms-cafes-lounges-to-attract-customers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As more bookstores close amid stiff competition with online shops, their operators are striving to introduce new business models to entice customers to stay longer at their stores.… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/23/5c/7356e0c94ec87b561d982cb8d9a992dcd858/20260609kw___0021600010-ph-----n-ci0004/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Bookstores, offering, gyms, cafes, lounges, attract, customers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[As more bookstores close amid stiff competition with online shops, their operators are striving to introduce new business models to entice customers to stay longer at their stores.…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan volunteer car lending program set to mark 15 years since 2011 tsunami</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-volunteer-car-lending-program-set-to-mark-15-years-since-2011-tsunami</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-volunteer-car-lending-program-set-to-mark-15-years-since-2011-tsunami</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ When Japan&#039;s March 2011 tsunami swept away tens of thousands of cars in Ishinomaki, many survivors later relocated to temporary housing found themselves cut off from hospitals, shops… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:03:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, volunteer, car, lending, program, set, mark, years, since, 2011, tsunami</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[When Japan's March 2011 tsunami swept away tens of thousands of cars in Ishinomaki, many survivors later relocated to temporary housing found themselves cut off from hospitals, shops…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Order a cocktail, support a senior with Shinjuku Day Service Mojito at a handful of businesses</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/order-a-cocktail-support-a-senior-with-shinjuku-day-service-mojito-at-a-handful-of-businesses</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/order-a-cocktail-support-a-senior-with-shinjuku-day-service-mojito-at-a-handful-of-businesses</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Senior citizens probably aren’t the first demographic that comes to mind when you think of Shinjuku’s Kabukicho neighborhood, which is much more commonly associated with younger crowds, nightlife,… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/58/8a/d67046f975d9b0766363d4f2e5cd76b0eb15/screenshot-2026-06-09-at-13-15-10/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:07:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Order, cocktail, support, senior, with, Shinjuku, Day, Service, Mojito, handful, businesses</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Senior citizens probably aren’t the first demographic that comes to mind when you think of Shinjuku’s Kabukicho neighborhood, which is much more commonly associated with younger crowds, nightlife,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/even-at-twice-regular-daiso-price-this-handy-item-is-still-great-for-summer-travel-in-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/even-at-twice-regular-daiso-price-this-handy-item-is-still-great-for-summer-travel-in-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ We’re clearly not in spring anymore, but many Japanese people would argue that we haven’t really made it to summer just yet. That’s because we’re at the start… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/4c/11/4a5dda149d53e6ad001bc4ff66f6a8b530c9/screenshot-2026-06-05-at-9-54-29/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:03:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Even, twice, regular, Daiso, price, this, handy, item, still, great, for, summer, travel, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[We’re clearly not in spring anymore, but many Japanese people would argue that we haven’t really made it to summer just yet. That’s because we’re at the start…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>NPOs, firms team up to close opportunity gap for young children</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/npos-firms-team-up-to-close-opportunity-gap-for-young-children</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/npos-firms-team-up-to-close-opportunity-gap-for-young-children</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Nonprofit organizations and companies in Japan are teaming up to offer free cultural and outdoor activities to address the opportunity gap among young children from different socioeconomic backgrounds… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>NPOs, firms, team, close, opportunity, gap, for, young, children</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Nonprofit organizations and companies in Japan are teaming up to offer free cultural and outdoor activities to address the opportunity gap among young children from different socioeconomic backgrounds…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Hundreds of Charlie Chaplin lookalikes gather in Switzerland</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/hundreds-of-charlie-chaplin-lookalikes-gather-in-switzerland</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/hundreds-of-charlie-chaplin-lookalikes-gather-in-switzerland</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ More than 400 people donning black bowler hats, toothbrush mustaches and canes gathered in Switzerland Sunday seeking to break the record for the biggest ever assembly of Charlie… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:07:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Hundreds, Charlie, Chaplin, lookalikes, gather, Switzerland</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[More than 400 people donning black bowler hats, toothbrush mustaches and canes gathered in Switzerland Sunday seeking to break the record for the biggest ever assembly of Charlie…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>What’s up with the Ghibli Park photo and video ban?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/whats-up-with-the-ghibli-park-photo-and-video-ban</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/whats-up-with-the-ghibli-park-photo-and-video-ban</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ When you visit Ghibli Park in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture, you’ll find a vast array of attractions, including life-sized buildings that look like they’ve jumped straight out of… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/17/2e/590c06591568953e69cd26057f9f7403fc13/screenshot-2026-06-01-at-8-58-01/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 07 Jun 2026 15:43:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>What’s, with, the, Ghibli, Park, photo, and, video, ban</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[When you visit Ghibli Park in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture, you’ll find a vast array of attractions, including life-sized buildings that look like they’ve jumped straight out of…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>&amp;apos;Totally hooked&amp;apos;: Hong Kong targets claw machine addiction</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/totally-hooked-hong-kong-targets-claw-machine-addiction</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/totally-hooked-hong-kong-targets-claw-machine-addiction</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Claw machine lover Neiki Lee carefully lowers the metal jaws of a crane with a joystick into a pool of prizes, only to have the small toy slip… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 07 Jun 2026 15:03:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Totally, hooked:, Hong, Kong, targets, claw, machine, addiction</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Claw machine lover Neiki Lee carefully lowers the metal jaws of a crane with a joystick into a pool of prizes, only to have the small toy slip…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Survey finds generational gap in attitudes to AI romance</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/survey-finds-generational-gap-in-attitudes-to-ai-romance</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/survey-finds-generational-gap-in-attitudes-to-ai-romance</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Almost 50 percent of young adults in six major economies think AI romantic companionship will improve human happiness through emotional support in the next decade, the results of… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 06 Jun 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Survey, finds, generational, gap, attitudes, romance</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Almost 50 percent of young adults in six major economies think AI romantic companionship will improve human happiness through emotional support in the next decade, the results of…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Between ballet and war: Japanese dancers pursue dreams in Russia</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/between-ballet-and-war-japanese-dancers-pursue-dreams-in-russia</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/between-ballet-and-war-japanese-dancers-pursue-dreams-in-russia</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ En pointe, demi-pointe, entrechat -- for Jotaro Kanazasi and Haruka Takemi, two Japanese dancers based in Russia&#039;s historic city of Nizhny Novgorod, life revolves entirely around their art,… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:03:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Between, ballet, and, war:, Japanese, dancers, pursue, dreams, Russia</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[En pointe, demi-pointe, entrechat -- for Jotaro Kanazasi and Haruka Takemi, two Japanese dancers based in Russia's historic city of Nizhny Novgorod, life revolves entirely around their art,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nagoya temple blends history, matcha in bid to attract visitors</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nagoya-temple-blends-history-matcha-in-bid-to-attract-visitors</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nagoya-temple-blends-history-matcha-in-bid-to-attract-visitors</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Where samurai once shaped history, visitors now whisk matcha.
Nagoya&#039;s Banshoji Temple, linked to powerful 16th-century warlord Oda Nobunaga, has opened a cafe as it seeks to attract… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/d1/5f/6cd21e20eb9d5bcb3e5458b690a1d4b63411/20260529kw___0012000010-ph-----n-ci0004/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:07:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nagoya, temple, blends, history, matcha, bid, attract, visitors</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Where samurai once shaped history, visitors now whisk matcha.
Nagoya's Banshoji Temple, linked to powerful 16th-century warlord Oda Nobunaga, has opened a cafe as it seeks to attract…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Independent bookstores are multiplying in U.S., although many people still think they&amp;apos;re dying out</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/independent-bookstores-are-multiplying-in-us-although-many-people-still-think-theyre-dying-out</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/independent-bookstores-are-multiplying-in-us-although-many-people-still-think-theyre-dying-out</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Allison Hill, CEO of the American Booksellers Association, is used to strangers expressing sympathy when they learn what she does for a living. 
“It&#039;s all so funny,” she… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/85/eb/d367caf90683dc6c672473e4a50e072c81e1/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:03:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Independent, bookstores, are, multiplying, U.S., although, many, people, still, think, theyre, dying, out</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Allison Hill, CEO of the American Booksellers Association, is used to strangers expressing sympathy when they learn what she does for a living. 
“It's all so funny,” she…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Keeping the flame of Japanese charcoal making alive</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/keeping-the-flame-of-japanese-charcoal-making-alive</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/keeping-the-flame-of-japanese-charcoal-making-alive</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A business owner in Japan is determined to preserve the domestic charcoal industry, which has experienced a significant decline in production.
Naoyuki Hirose is making efforts to improve… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/03/c9/6002b6e1fdc9d9542d56eb3c00b6fbcd092d/screenshot-2026-05-26-at-13-59-34/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:07:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Keeping, the, flame, Japanese, charcoal, making, alive</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A business owner in Japan is determined to preserve the domestic charcoal industry, which has experienced a significant decline in production.
Naoyuki Hirose is making efforts to improve…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Same name tops lists of most popular dog and cat names in Japan, and there’s probably a reason why</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/same-name-tops-lists-of-most-popular-dog-and-cat-names-in-japan-and-theres-probably-a-reason-why</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/same-name-tops-lists-of-most-popular-dog-and-cat-names-in-japan-and-theres-probably-a-reason-why</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan’s most famous fictional cat might be the one named Kitty, but when it comes to actual pets, owners tend to get a little more creative with their… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:03:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Same, name, tops, lists, most, popular, dog, and, cat, names, Japan, and, there’s, probably, reason, why</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan’s most famous fictional cat might be the one named Kitty, but when it comes to actual pets, owners tend to get a little more creative with their…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Used chopsticks upgraded from &amp;apos;waste&amp;apos; to &amp;apos;valuable material&amp;apos; by Kawasaki thanks to ChopValue</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/used-chopsticks-upgraded-from-waste-to-valuable-material-by-kawasaki-thanks-to-chopvalue</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/used-chopsticks-upgraded-from-waste-to-valuable-material-by-kawasaki-thanks-to-chopvalue</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Every day, millions of people in Japan open a bento or dig into a restaurant’s meal while holding a pair of chopsticks that are destined for the garbage… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Used, chopsticks, upgraded, from, waste, valuable, material, Kawasaki, thanks, ChopValue</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Every day, millions of people in Japan open a bento or dig into a restaurant’s meal while holding a pair of chopsticks that are destined for the garbage…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Gardeners often hear about supposed hacks and quick fixes. Here are some common ones debunked</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/gardeners-often-hear-about-supposed-hacks-and-quick-fixes-here-are-some-common-ones-debunked</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/gardeners-often-hear-about-supposed-hacks-and-quick-fixes-here-are-some-common-ones-debunked</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Now that the gardening season is in full swing, so is the bad advice. There is no shortage of social media “experts” doling out “genius gardening hacks,” and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Gardeners, often, hear, about, supposed, hacks, and, quick, fixes., Here, are, some, common, ones, debunked</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Now that the gardening season is in full swing, so is the bad advice. There is no shortage of social media “experts” doling out “genius gardening hacks,” and…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Nerima: The Tokyo neighborhood you probably haven’t heard of</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nerima-the-tokyo-neighborhood-you-probably-havent-heard-of</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nerima-the-tokyo-neighborhood-you-probably-havent-heard-of</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A short train ride from central Tokyo, Nerima reveals a side of the city that often goes unnoticed. Calm, residential and surprisingly green, it’s often described as one… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nerima:, The, Tokyo, neighborhood, you, probably, haven’t, heard</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A short train ride from central Tokyo, Nerima reveals a side of the city that often goes unnoticed. Calm, residential and surprisingly green, it’s often described as one…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Experts trace how the world shaped samurai into a global icon</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/experts-trace-how-the-world-shaped-samurai-into-a-global-icon</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/experts-trace-how-the-world-shaped-samurai-into-a-global-icon</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Visitors to the British Museum&#039;s highly popular samurai exhibition probably thought they were looking at a national symbol made in Japan.
Yet, if they scratched beneath the surface,… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Experts, trace, how, the, world, shaped, samurai, into, global, icon</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Visitors to the British Museum's highly popular samurai exhibition probably thought they were looking at a national symbol made in Japan.
Yet, if they scratched beneath the surface,…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Bring back the yukata: Japan needs better summer workwear</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/bring-back-the-yukata-japan-needs-better-summer-workwear</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/bring-back-the-yukata-japan-needs-better-summer-workwear</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ I hate summer in Japan with a passion that burns as hot as the season itself, or at least I would if the heat and humidity didn’t sap… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 15:07:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Bring, back, the, yukata:, Japan, needs, better, summer, workwear</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[I hate summer in Japan with a passion that burns as hot as the season itself, or at least I would if the heat and humidity didn’t sap…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Urban composting takes root in Japan with compact home systems</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/urban-composting-takes-root-in-japan-with-compact-home-systems</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/urban-composting-takes-root-in-japan-with-compact-home-systems</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Small compost bins that turn kitchen scraps into soil with the help of microorganisms are finding a growing audience in Japan, driven by rising interest in sustainability and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Urban, composting, takes, root, Japan, with, compact, home, systems</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Small compost bins that turn kitchen scraps into soil with the help of microorganisms are finding a growing audience in Japan, driven by rising interest in sustainability and…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japanese woman who scaled world&amp;apos;s 14 top peaks says she wants to share joy</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-woman-who-scaled-worlds-14-top-peaks-says-she-wants-to-share-joy</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-woman-who-scaled-worlds-14-top-peaks-says-she-wants-to-share-joy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The first woman to conquer the world&#039;s second-highest peak, K2, three times has also summited all 14 of the world&#039;s tallest mountains. 
But Naoko Watanabe, 44, says climbing… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 25 May 2026 15:07:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, woman, who, scaled, worlds, top, peaks, says, she, wants, share, joy</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The first woman to conquer the world's second-highest peak, K2, three times has also summited all 14 of the world's tallest mountains. 
But Naoko Watanabe, 44, says climbing…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>What to know about the Japanese&#45;style scalp massages catching on in U.S.</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/what-to-know-about-the-japanese-style-scalp-massages-catching-on-in-us</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/what-to-know-about-the-japanese-style-scalp-massages-catching-on-in-us</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Getting a scalp or face massage is often a relaxing highlight of getting a haircut or a facial. Now, head spas are popping up across the country offering… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 24 May 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>What, know, about, the, Japanese-style, scalp, massages, catching, U.S.</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Getting a scalp or face massage is often a relaxing highlight of getting a haircut or a facial. Now, head spas are popping up across the country offering…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>If AI can translate instantly, why learn another language?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/if-ai-can-translate-instantly-why-learn-another-language</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/if-ai-can-translate-instantly-why-learn-another-language</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ From live speech translation in video calls to auto-dubbing on TikTok, the technology to dissolve language barriers has arrived. Real-time translation powered by artificial intelligence (AI) is now… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 15:03:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>can, translate, instantly, why, learn, another, language</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[From live speech translation in video calls to auto-dubbing on TikTok, the technology to dissolve language barriers has arrived. Real-time translation powered by artificial intelligence (AI) is now…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>CineYama: A foreigner&#45;built theater inside an abandoned kindergarten</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/cineyama-a-foreigner-built-theater-inside-an-abandoned-kindergarten</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/cineyama-a-foreigner-built-theater-inside-an-abandoned-kindergarten</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ inding CineYama almost feels like you are not supposed to. Hidden deep in the hills of Uenohara, Yamanashi Prefecture, the independent movie theater sits inside a former Japanese… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>CineYama:, foreigner-built, theater, inside, abandoned, kindergarten</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[inding CineYama almost feels like you are not supposed to. Hidden deep in the hills of Uenohara, Yamanashi Prefecture, the independent movie theater sits inside a former Japanese…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Wordle heads to primetime as media seek puzzle reinvention</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/wordle-heads-to-primetime-as-media-seek-puzzle-reinvention</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/wordle-heads-to-primetime-as-media-seek-puzzle-reinvention</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ News organizations are racing to add puzzles and games to their digital offerings, hoping to replicate the success of a strategy The New York Times has been quietly… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 15:07:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Wordle, heads, primetime, media, seek, puzzle, reinvention</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[News organizations are racing to add puzzles and games to their digital offerings, hoping to replicate the success of a strategy The New York Times has been quietly…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/the-top-12-incomprehensible-school-rules-as-chosen-by-high-school-students</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/the-top-12-incomprehensible-school-rules-as-chosen-by-high-school-students</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Every school in Japan has its own set of rules, and while many of these guidelines are perfectly understandable, there are some that are baffling, to say the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 15:03:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, top, incomprehensible, school, rules, chosen, high, school, students</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Every school in Japan has its own set of rules, and while many of these guidelines are perfectly understandable, there are some that are baffling, to say the…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>How to start a hydroponic kitchen garden in Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/how-to-start-a-hydroponic-kitchen-garden-in-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/how-to-start-a-hydroponic-kitchen-garden-in-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Rising food prices and the lingering popularity of at-home hobbies since the pandemic have helped fuel interest in hydroponic gardening in Japan. Using inexpensive supplies from 100-yen shops… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 15:07:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>How, start, hydroponic, kitchen, garden, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Rising food prices and the lingering popularity of at-home hobbies since the pandemic have helped fuel interest in hydroponic gardening in Japan. Using inexpensive supplies from 100-yen shops…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Bam! Pow! The everlasting allure of the American comic book</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/bam-pow-the-everlasting-allure-of-the-american-comic-book</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/bam-pow-the-everlasting-allure-of-the-american-comic-book</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pick one up. Be seduced by its glossy cover. Gaze upon the impossibly muscular body clad in a skin-tight suit. Our hero or heroine will surely be soaring,… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Bam, Pow, The, everlasting, allure, the, American, comic, book</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Pick one up. Be seduced by its glossy cover. Gaze upon the impossibly muscular body clad in a skin-tight suit. Our hero or heroine will surely be soaring,…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Adults relive musical camaraderie of their youth at U.S. band camps reprised for grown&#45;ups</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/adults-relive-musical-camaraderie-of-their-youth-at-us-band-camps-reprised-for-grown-ups</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/adults-relive-musical-camaraderie-of-their-youth-at-us-band-camps-reprised-for-grown-ups</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As a high school student in the 1970s, Lori Guess looked forward to packing up her oboe for a summer music camp in Sidney, Maine. The lakeside location… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 17 May 2026 15:07:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Adults, relive, musical, camaraderie, their, youth, U.S., band, camps, reprised, for, grown-ups</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[As a high school student in the 1970s, Lori Guess looked forward to packing up her oboe for a summer music camp in Sidney, Maine. The lakeside location…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Microgardening means getting a surprisingly big harvest from a windowsill or balcony garden</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/microgardening-means-getting-a-surprisingly-big-harvest-from-a-windowsill-or-balcony-garden</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/microgardening-means-getting-a-surprisingly-big-harvest-from-a-windowsill-or-balcony-garden</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Short on space? Consider microgardening.
Although the term might conjure thoughts of minuscule garden gnomes and fairies, the reality is quite the opposite. You can get a surprisingly… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 16 May 2026 15:03:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Microgardening, means, getting, surprisingly, big, harvest, from, windowsill, balcony, garden</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Short on space? Consider microgardening.
Although the term might conjure thoughts of minuscule garden gnomes and fairies, the reality is quite the opposite. You can get a surprisingly…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Huge display of drones and fireworks together coming to Osaka this June</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/huge-display-of-drones-and-fireworks-together-coming-to-osaka-this-june</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/huge-display-of-drones-and-fireworks-together-coming-to-osaka-this-june</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Drone displays are becoming quite popular these days. So much so that it makes you wonder if they may one day replace the more traditional firework shows that… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/03/64/fb46ee83db8cd52290199c7e087500e03b7f/screenshot-2026-05-13-at-10-52-02/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 15:07:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Huge, display, drones, and, fireworks, together, coming, Osaka, this, June</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Drone displays are becoming quite popular these days. So much so that it makes you wonder if they may one day replace the more traditional firework shows that…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japanese teacher with cerebral palsy finally becomes homeroom teacher</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-teacher-with-cerebral-palsy-finally-becomes-homeroom-teacher</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-teacher-with-cerebral-palsy-finally-becomes-homeroom-teacher</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A long teaching career in mathematics brought Manabu Sannohe, a 49-year-old teacher born with cerebral palsy affecting his limbs, into contact with more than a thousand students in… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, teacher, with, cerebral, palsy, finally, becomes, homeroom, teacher</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A long teaching career in mathematics brought Manabu Sannohe, a 49-year-old teacher born with cerebral palsy affecting his limbs, into contact with more than a thousand students in…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Don’t miss the Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2026~ event during your travels</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/dont-miss-the-tokyo-tower-city-light-fantasia-summer-landscape-2026-event-during-your-travels</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/dont-miss-the-tokyo-tower-city-light-fantasia-summer-landscape-2026-event-during-your-travels</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Every year since 2014, Japanese digital art company Naked Inc has held a Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia event at the popular Tokyo landmark. This year’s version, subtitled ~Summer Landscape 2026~, will be… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 15:07:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Don’t, miss, the, Tokyo, Tower, City, Light, Fantasia, Summer, Landscape, 2026, event, during, your, travels</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Every year since 2014, Japanese digital art company Naked Inc has held a Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia event at the popular Tokyo landmark. This year’s version, subtitled ~Summer Landscape 2026~, will be…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Mount Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly Festival</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/mount-fuji-hot-spring-inn-gets-even-more-beautiful-after-dark-with-firefly-festival</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/mount-fuji-hot-spring-inn-gets-even-more-beautiful-after-dark-with-firefly-festival</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ When picking a hotel for traveling in Japan, “has views of Mount Fuji” is definitely a big plus. Japan’s tallest mountain is a symbol of the country itself, and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 15:03:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Mount, Fuji, hot, spring, inn, gets, even, more, beautiful, after, dark, with, Firefly, Festival</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[When picking a hotel for traveling in Japan, “has views of Mount Fuji” is definitely a big plus. Japan’s tallest mountain is a symbol of the country itself, and…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Holy Fungus Mud Volleyball is Japan’s most beautifying bacteria event of the summer</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/holy-fungus-mud-volleyball-is-japans-most-beautifying-bacteria-event-of-the-summer</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/holy-fungus-mud-volleyball-is-japans-most-beautifying-bacteria-event-of-the-summer</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ There’s an outdoor volleyball tournament scheduled for this coming August in the town of Gujo. But while playing the sport under the summer sun might have you imagining beach volleyball, Gujo… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Holy, Fungus, Mud, Volleyball, Japan’s, most, beautifying, bacteria, event, the, summer</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[There’s an outdoor volleyball tournament scheduled for this coming August in the town of Gujo. But while playing the sport under the summer sun might have you imagining beach volleyball, Gujo…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Shogun Cultural Experiences merges a walking tour, sweets, and the music of traditional Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/shogun-cultural-experiences-merges-a-walking-tour-sweets-and-the-music-of-traditional-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/shogun-cultural-experiences-merges-a-walking-tour-sweets-and-the-music-of-traditional-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Kagurazaka is a central Tokyo neighborhood with refined charm that was once located on the edge of Edo Castle and has connections dating back to Japan’s third “great unifier”… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Shogun, Cultural, Experiences, merges, walking, tour, sweets, and, the, music, traditional, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Kagurazaka is a central Tokyo neighborhood with refined charm that was once located on the edge of Edo Castle and has connections dating back to Japan’s third “great unifier”…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pen pal programs have evolved, but old&#45;fashioned letter writing could be coming back</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/pen-pal-programs-have-evolved-but-old-fashioned-letter-writing-could-be-coming-back</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/pen-pal-programs-have-evolved-but-old-fashioned-letter-writing-could-be-coming-back</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In 1985, a 13-year-old girl in New Zealand spotted a pair of purple, lip-shaped sunglasses in “Young Miss” magazine. In March, I traveled 9,000 miles from New Hampshire… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2026 15:07:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pen, pal, programs, have, evolved, but, old-fashioned, letter, writing, could, coming, back</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[In 1985, a 13-year-old girl in New Zealand spotted a pair of purple, lip-shaped sunglasses in “Young Miss” magazine. In March, I traveled 9,000 miles from New Hampshire…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Sherlock Holmes fans recreate fateful duel at Swiss falls</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/sherlockholmes-fans-recreate-fateful-duel-at-swiss-falls</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/sherlockholmes-fans-recreate-fateful-duel-at-swiss-falls</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Immaculately dressed in Victorian costume, Sherlock Holmes devotees gathered at the Reichenbach Falls in Switzerland to recreate the intrepid detective&#039;s fateful duel with his nemesis Professor Moriarty, 135… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 15:03:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Sherlock Holmes, fans, recreate, fateful, duel, Swiss, falls</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Immaculately dressed in Victorian costume, Sherlock Holmes devotees gathered at the Reichenbach Falls in Switzerland to recreate the intrepid detective's fateful duel with his nemesis Professor Moriarty, 135…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>A tap from a dog brings peace of mind for Japan&amp;apos;s hearing impaired</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/a-tap-from-a-dog-brings-peace-of-mind-for-japans-hearing-impaired</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/a-tap-from-a-dog-brings-peace-of-mind-for-japans-hearing-impaired</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ For people with hearing impairments in Japan, help can come on four paws -- but awareness and access remain limited.
Assistance dogs support people with disabilities in living… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 15:07:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>tap, from, dog, brings, peace, mind, for, Japans, hearing, impaired</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[For people with hearing impairments in Japan, help can come on four paws -- but awareness and access remain limited.
Assistance dogs support people with disabilities in living…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Real anime locations in Tokyo you can actually visit</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/real-anime-locations-in-tokyo-you-can-actually-visit</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/real-anime-locations-in-tokyo-you-can-actually-visit</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ If you are a fan of anime, coming to Tokyo is an obvious choice. From eight-story high anime shops in Akihabara to countless museums and manga cafes, Japan’s capital celebrates its art form at… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 15:03:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Real, anime, locations, Tokyo, you, can, actually, visit</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[If you are a fan of anime, coming to Tokyo is an obvious choice. From eight-story high anime shops in Akihabara to countless museums and manga cafes, Japan’s capital celebrates its art form at…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Students in Japan sew &amp;apos;angel gowns&amp;apos; for stillborn babies</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/students-in-japan-sew-angel-gowns-for-stillborn-babies</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/students-in-japan-sew-angel-gowns-for-stillborn-babies</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A group of junior and senior high school students in Okayama is sewing small garments for stillborn babies, aiming to ease the grief of mothers who often blame… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 15:07:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Students, Japan, sew, angel, gowns, for, stillborn, babies</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A group of junior and senior high school students in Okayama is sewing small garments for stillborn babies, aiming to ease the grief of mothers who often blame…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Origami artist builds international enterprise from folded paper</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/origami-artist-builds-international-enterprise-from-folded-paper</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/origami-artist-builds-international-enterprise-from-folded-paper</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A Japanese international patent attorney has turned the traditional art of origami into a commercial enterprise spanning the United States and Japan, positioning folded paper craft as both… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 15:03:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Origami, artist, builds, international, enterprise, from, folded, paper</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A Japanese international patent attorney has turned the traditional art of origami into a commercial enterprise spanning the United States and Japan, positioning folded paper craft as both…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Sanrio amusement park in Tokyo to host Psycho Game horror event this summer</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/sanrio-amusement-park-in-tokyo-to-host-psycho-game-horror-event-this-summer</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/sanrio-amusement-park-in-tokyo-to-host-psycho-game-horror-event-this-summer</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ June is the rainy season in Japan, so if you’re going to be traveling in the Tokyo area around that time, it’s probably best to have a few indoor ideas… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 03 May 2026 15:07:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Sanrio, amusement, park, Tokyo, host, Psycho, Game, horror, event, this, summer</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[June is the rainy season in Japan, so if you’re going to be traveling in the Tokyo area around that time, it’s probably best to have a few indoor ideas…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>What are the worst things about living in the Japanese countryside?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/what-are-the-worst-things-about-living-in-the-japanese-countryside</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/what-are-the-worst-things-about-living-in-the-japanese-countryside</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ There’s an undeniable appeal to the idea of living in the Japanese countryside, to the slow-life rhythm of sipping tea while sitting on the tatami reed floor of your… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 15:03:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>What, are, the, worst, things, about, living, the, Japanese, countryside</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[There’s an undeniable appeal to the idea of living in the Japanese countryside, to the slow-life rhythm of sipping tea while sitting on the tatami reed floor of your…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Short vignette stories of everyday life as a &amp;apos;hafu&amp;apos; in Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/short-vignette-stories-of-everyday-life-as-a-hafu-in-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/short-vignette-stories-of-everyday-life-as-a-hafu-in-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Following on from my hafu article series, this piece shares my personal experience as a hafu woman in her early 30s living in Japan. While others may have different… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:07:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Short, vignette, stories, everyday, life, hafu, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Following on from my hafu article series, this piece shares my personal experience as a hafu woman in her early 30s living in Japan. While others may have different…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Visiting Tokyo’s newest unmanned Self Cafe in Shibuya</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/visiting-tokyos-newest-unmanned-self-cafe-in-shibuya</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/visiting-tokyos-newest-unmanned-self-cafe-in-shibuya</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ While cafes are fantastic places to call in on your day off for a light meal while you’re doing your errands, many people also like to use them… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:03:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Visiting, Tokyo’s, newest, unmanned, Self, Cafe, Shibuya</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[While cafes are fantastic places to call in on your day off for a light meal while you’re doing your errands, many people also like to use them…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Kanazawa’s last bamboo calligraphy brush craftsman has no successor</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/kanazawas-last-bamboo-calligraphy-brush-craftsman-has-no-successor</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/kanazawas-last-bamboo-calligraphy-brush-craftsman-has-no-successor</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In a quiet workshop in Kanazawa, one of the world’s last bamboo calligraphy brush craftsmen continues a tradition that has nearly disappeared.
Unlike most brushes made from animal… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:07:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Kanazawa’s, last, bamboo, calligraphy, brush, craftsman, has, successor</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[In a quiet workshop in Kanazawa, one of the world’s last bamboo calligraphy brush craftsmen continues a tradition that has nearly disappeared.
Unlike most brushes made from animal…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan awakens to Radio Taiso exercise tradition</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-awakens-to-radio-taiso-exercise-tradition</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-awakens-to-radio-taiso-exercise-tradition</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ This is how Japan wakes up. It&#039;s called Radio Taiso — Exercise Radio in English — a simple yet dynamic way to start the day.
Japanese radio plays… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:02:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, awakens, Radio, Taiso, exercise, tradition</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[This is how Japan wakes up. It's called Radio Taiso — Exercise Radio in English — a simple yet dynamic way to start the day.
Japanese radio plays…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan wig masters set kabuki stage alive</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-wig-masters-set-kabuki-stage-alive</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-wig-masters-set-kabuki-stage-alive</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Every actor in kabuki -- a traditional Japanese performing art celebrated for its striking makeup and elaborate costumes -- relies on one final, essential element to fully inhabit… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:06:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, wig, masters, set, kabuki, stage, alive</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Every actor in kabuki -- a traditional Japanese performing art celebrated for its striking makeup and elaborate costumes -- relies on one final, essential element to fully inhabit…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan will pay you ¥20,000 to use dating apps</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-will-pay-you-20000-to-use-dating-apps</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-will-pay-you-20000-to-use-dating-apps</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ If you’ve seen headlines claiming that “Japan will pay you to use Tinder,” you can relax — no one is wiring you money to swipe right. And even… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:02:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, will, pay, you, ¥20, 000, use, dating, apps</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[If you’ve seen headlines claiming that “Japan will pay you to use Tinder,” you can relax — no one is wiring you money to swipe right. And even…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>One month phone&#45;free: Young Americans try digital detox</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/one-month-phone-free-young-americans-try-digital-detox</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/one-month-phone-free-young-americans-try-digital-detox</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Getting around without Google Maps. No longer scrolling Instagram at the bus stop. Ditching your headphones to hear the birds sing.
In March, a group of 20- and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:06:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>One, month, phone-free:, Young, Americans, try, digital, detox</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Getting around without Google Maps. No longer scrolling Instagram at the bus stop. Ditching your headphones to hear the birds sing.
In March, a group of 20- and…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Immerse yourself in TeamLab Yoro Valley’s outdoor nighttime art exhibition in Chiba’s wilderness</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/immerse-yourself-in-teamlab-yoro-valleys-outdoor-nighttime-art-exhibition-in-chibas-wilderness</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/immerse-yourself-in-teamlab-yoro-valleys-outdoor-nighttime-art-exhibition-in-chibas-wilderness</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The town of Otaki, Chiba Prefecture, is an area known for its unspoiled forest, the Isumi and Yoro Rivers, hot springs, and rock faces, all located centrally within the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:02:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Immerse, yourself, TeamLab, Yoro, Valley’s, outdoor, nighttime, art, exhibition, Chiba’s, wilderness</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The town of Otaki, Chiba Prefecture, is an area known for its unspoiled forest, the Isumi and Yoro Rivers, hot springs, and rock faces, all located centrally within the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan’s 5.3 million Nemophila flowers now in full bloom</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-53-million-nemophila-flowers-now-in-full-bloom</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-53-million-nemophila-flowers-now-in-full-bloom</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Sakura season may be pretty much over and done with, but that just means it’s time for Japan’s other varieties of flowering flora to get their moments in the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:06:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan’s, 5.3, million, Nemophila, flowers, now, full, bloom</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Sakura season may be pretty much over and done with, but that just means it’s time for Japan’s other varieties of flowering flora to get their moments in the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Overtourism in Japan: Can tourists help fix it?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/overtourism-in-japan-can-tourists-help-fix-it</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/overtourism-in-japan-can-tourists-help-fix-it</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ I was a tourist in Japan long before I moved here. Unfortunately, this hasn’t made me immune to being a bit of a snob towards other tourists. I… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:02:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Overtourism, Japan:, Can, tourists, help, fix, it</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[I was a tourist in Japan long before I moved here. Unfortunately, this hasn’t made me immune to being a bit of a snob towards other tourists. I…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>To make hosting less stressful, strive for connection and not perfection</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/to-make-hosting-less-stressful-strive-for-connection-and-not-perfection</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/to-make-hosting-less-stressful-strive-for-connection-and-not-perfection</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Inviting friends and family members over for a celebration, holiday or routine dinner provides an opportunity for connection, but pressure to serve good-tasting food in a clean and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:06:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>make, hosting, less, stressful, strive, for, connection, and, not, perfection</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Inviting friends and family members over for a celebration, holiday or routine dinner provides an opportunity for connection, but pressure to serve good-tasting food in a clean and…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Turn a rainy forecast into a blast at the Naruto &amp;amp; Boruto Ninja Village May Rain Festival 2026</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/turn-a-rainy-forecast-into-a-blast-at-the-naruto-boruto-ninja-village-may-rain-festival-2026</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/turn-a-rainy-forecast-into-a-blast-at-the-naruto-boruto-ninja-village-may-rain-festival-2026</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Anime theme park Nijigen no Mori in Awaji, Hyogo Prefecture, which is largely outdoors, may not be the kind of place you think of visiting when the weather’s not looking… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/26/a4/050f26efd731092c27d6018a6bc30f985b37/screenshot-2026-04-15-at-16-40-08/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:02:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Turn, rainy, forecast, into, blast, the, Naruto, Boruto, Ninja, Village, May, Rain, Festival, 2026</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Anime theme park Nijigen no Mori in Awaji, Hyogo Prefecture, which is largely outdoors, may not be the kind of place you think of visiting when the weather’s not looking…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>It’s right under your nose – why some people can’t find things in plain sight</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/its-right-under-your-nose-why-some-people-cant-find-things-in-plain-sight</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/its-right-under-your-nose-why-some-people-cant-find-things-in-plain-sight</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Many households will recognize this familiar exchange. One person insists an object simply isn’t there: impossible to find despite what they describe as a thorough and highly competent… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/5c/b8/b21214c5b52e841884ff253d86ab9b558c61/istock-1469991498/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:06:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>It’s, right, under, your, nose, –, why, some, people, can’t, find, things, plain, sight</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Many households will recognize this familiar exchange. One person insists an object simply isn’t there: impossible to find despite what they describe as a thorough and highly competent…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Plastic garden gear can add microplastics to the soil. Here are some alternatives</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/plastic-garden-gear-can-add-microplastics-to-the-soil-here-are-some-alternatives</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/plastic-garden-gear-can-add-microplastics-to-the-soil-here-are-some-alternatives</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ It’s seed-starting and planting season, and that means it’s likely buying season. This year, consider not only the gardening gear and plants you bring home, but also whether… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/a1/2b/55ff33c79052e808512b59ea02d9e13ac302/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:02:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Plastic, garden, gear, can, add, microplastics, the, soil., Here, are, some, alternatives</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[It’s seed-starting and planting season, and that means it’s likely buying season. This year, consider not only the gardening gear and plants you bring home, but also whether…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>&amp;apos;Listening bars&amp;apos; bloom as hottest new nightlife trend</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/listening-bars-bloom-as-hottest-new-nightlife-trend</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/listening-bars-bloom-as-hottest-new-nightlife-trend</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Not quite like a gig or going clubbing, but there&#039;s a new night out spreading in cities around the world: an evening at a &quot;listening bar&quot;.
An increasing… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/56/37/c5a6da9ac355d634fbc8c54e17aec1a3afc1/834dadf4e472a95d19d1ae5e25aa16f9a4fb56da/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:06:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Listening, bars, bloom, hottest, new, nightlife, trend</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Not quite like a gig or going clubbing, but there's a new night out spreading in cities around the world: an evening at a "listening bar".
An increasing…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>AI companions can give constant support – but distort ideas about what a relationship really is</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ai-companions-can-give-constant-support-but-distort-ideas-about-what-a-relationship-really-is</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ai-companions-can-give-constant-support-but-distort-ideas-about-what-a-relationship-really-is</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ When the movie “Her” debuted in 2013, its plot felt like science fiction. The protagonist, Theodore, is a jaded man with no vigor for life. He comes alive… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/c7/ff/07dc410ceabb7c7231e28932631238eaacc9/istock-2191084357/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:02:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>companions, can, give, constant, support, –, but, distort, ideas, about, what, relationship, really</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[When the movie “Her” debuted in 2013, its plot felt like science fiction. The protagonist, Theodore, is a jaded man with no vigor for life. He comes alive…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-government-wants-overseas-anime-market-to-roughly-triple-in-10-years</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-government-wants-overseas-anime-market-to-roughly-triple-in-10-years</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese pop culture is more popular outside Japan than it’s ever previously been, with Japanese entertainment franchises having established passionate fanbases around the globe and even people outside… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/4c/1c/b0bcb91776be76e1c308a49340560495b25b/screenshot-2026-04-14-at-8-13-26/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:06:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, government, wants, overseas, anime, market, roughly, triple, years</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese pop culture is more popular outside Japan than it’s ever previously been, with Japanese entertainment franchises having established passionate fanbases around the globe and even people outside…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Kichijoji: Tokyo’s most livable neighborhood</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/kichijoji-tokyos-most-livable-neighborhood</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/kichijoji-tokyos-most-livable-neighborhood</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In Kichijoji, the moment your feet touch the ground, you’re within walking distance of any place you can imagine. Located in Musashino City in Western Tokyo, Kichijoji hosts… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/39/23/2795665fa41f6fa5dc5d9d938dacebff6efc/screenshot-2026-04-13-at-12-24-03/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:02:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Kichijoji:, Tokyo’s, most, livable, neighborhood</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[In Kichijoji, the moment your feet touch the ground, you’re within walking distance of any place you can imagine. Located in Musashino City in Western Tokyo, Kichijoji hosts…]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Schoolkids learn life skills through shopping field trips at street markets in Kochi Prefecture</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/schoolkids-learn-life-skills-through-shopping-field-trips-at-street-markets-in-kochi-prefecture</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/schoolkids-learn-life-skills-through-shopping-field-trips-at-street-markets-in-kochi-prefecture</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Kochi City, the capital of Kochi Prefecture, has a local custom where shop vendors set up shop on various streets on different days of the week. While the Sunday… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/4d/22/417d2945ecb6b26120184f338a8fff8d14ab/screenshot-2026-04-09-at-7-53-40/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:02:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Schoolkids, learn, life, skills, through, shopping, field, trips, street, markets, Kochi, Prefecture</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Kochi City, the capital of Kochi Prefecture, has a local custom where shop vendors set up shop on various streets on different days of the week. While the Sunday…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>You aren&amp;apos;t the only one who just sits in the car before or after a long day</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/you-arent-the-only-one-who-just-sits-in-the-car-before-or-after-a-long-day</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/you-arent-the-only-one-who-just-sits-in-the-car-before-or-after-a-long-day</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Have you ever pulled into the driveway of your home or a parking lot spot and just ... stayed there?
Maybe it’s a few minutes, or half an… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/18/1d/b52b9bd193d7948799fcc62961686f2c1760/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:06:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>You, arent, the, only, one, who, just, sits, the, car, before, after, long, day</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Have you ever pulled into the driveway of your home or a parking lot spot and just ... stayed there?
Maybe it’s a few minutes, or half an…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Eight states, three time zones and a ton of history: Take a trip down Route 66 as it turns 100</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/eight-states-three-time-zones-and-a-ton-of-history-take-a-trip-down-route-66-as-it-turns-100</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/eight-states-three-time-zones-and-a-ton-of-history-take-a-trip-down-route-66-as-it-turns-100</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ If you’ve ever planned to motor west and take the highway that’s the best, this might be time: Route 66 turns 100 this year.
Route 66, which runs… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/49/3a/ba8e7ceeba4310ddd0a374850d385aad6d41/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:02:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Eight, states, three, time, zones, and, ton, history:, Take, trip, down, Route, turns, 100</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[If you’ve ever planned to motor west and take the highway that’s the best, this might be time: Route 66 turns 100 this year.
Route 66, which runs…]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Famous koi ponds overwhelmed with tourists throwing thousands of coins in them</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/famous-koi-ponds-overwhelmed-with-tourists-throwing-thousands-of-coins-in-them</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/famous-koi-ponds-overwhelmed-with-tourists-throwing-thousands-of-coins-in-them</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Oshino Hakkai is an idyllic spot nestled in the Fuji Five Lakes region of Yamanashi Prefecture. Traditional thatched-roof buildings are scattered among eight pristine spring-fed ponds. Combined with a… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/19/87/868213c2a27752e89874377ff837886fa373/screenshot-2026-04-08-at-7-10-48/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:06:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Famous, koi, ponds, overwhelmed, with, tourists, throwing, thousands, coins, them</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Oshino Hakkai is an idyllic spot nestled in the Fuji Five Lakes region of Yamanashi Prefecture. Traditional thatched-roof buildings are scattered among eight pristine spring-fed ponds. Combined with a…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s plus&#45;size industry holds strong despite weight stigma, rise of AI</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-plus-size-industry-holds-strong-despite-weight-stigma-rise-of-ai</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-plus-size-industry-holds-strong-despite-weight-stigma-rise-of-ai</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The body positivity movement may have cooled since its 2010s peak, but Japan&#039;s plus-size industry remains resilient thanks to tight-knit communities, even as weight stigma lingers and artificial… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/72/08/223572ef9bcafa74a40cb761244e2fe5212b/20260401kw___0022100010-ph-----n-ci0004/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:02:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, plus-size, industry, holds, strong, despite, weight, stigma, rise</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The body positivity movement may have cooled since its 2010s peak, but Japan's plus-size industry remains resilient thanks to tight-knit communities, even as weight stigma lingers and artificial…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan’s sticker boom: From nostalgia to Bonbon Drop stickers</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-sticker-boom-from-nostalgia-to-bonbon-drop-stickers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-sticker-boom-from-nostalgia-to-bonbon-drop-stickers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Known as shiiru in Japanese, stickers are experiencing a renaissance. According to a 2026 survey of 2,484 respondents conducted by Nifty Kids, a youth-oriented lifestyle and hobby website,… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/a1/82/7a5a8b6722e920243d8ef223f2bdf6bb5732/sticker-collecting_uco-pixta_135584985_m/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:06:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan’s, sticker, boom:, From, nostalgia, Bonbon, Drop, stickers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Known as shiiru in Japanese, stickers are experiencing a renaissance. According to a 2026 survey of 2,484 respondents conducted by Nifty Kids, a youth-oriented lifestyle and hobby website,…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi&#45;Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-turns-its-phone-booths-into-free-wi-fi-hotspots-and-heres-how-to-use-them</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-turns-its-phone-booths-into-free-wi-fi-hotspots-and-heres-how-to-use-them</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ With pretty much everyone owning a mobile phone these days, public telephones are on a steady decline worldwide. Though the same is true in Japan, governments here see them… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/4a/05/a76562f45925f1fef634eece5283dd6583f8/screenshot-2026-04-03-at-9-15-52/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:02:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, turns, its, phone, booths, into, free, Wi-Fi, hotspots, and, here’s, how, use, them</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[With pretty much everyone owning a mobile phone these days, public telephones are on a steady decline worldwide. Though the same is true in Japan, governments here see them…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Best Cafe Latte&#45;Colored Sand Found in Palawan, Philippines</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/best-cafe-latte-colored-sand-found-in-palawan-philippines</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/best-cafe-latte-colored-sand-found-in-palawan-philippines</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ November 28, 2024 - Manila, Philippines - Carlos de Castro said the Philippines has grown in popularity as a spot for expats from the USA and Europe in recent years.  Palawan&#039;s beautiful coastline given its geographical position tops the list.  Blame it for its white, pink, and café latte colored beaches to the limestone cliffs of rock formations, offering a level of diversity that is rarely found anywhere. Carlos is the interior architect of several iconic Philippine landmarks such as Okada, Solaire, and Raffles Hotel, among others. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://konnichiwa.today/uploads/images/202412/image_870x580_676d6045372cb.jpg" length="116990" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 26 Dec 2024 21:56:55 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">The allure realm of Retirement Investment is robust by the remarkable influx of international visitors, the highlights of the Philippines’s strong investment in retirement havens, according to Jun Bioco, Project Foreman of Beulah International Development.<br><br></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">BEULAH is set to build Luxury Residences, one is Catalina located in Roxas, Palawan. Beulah's Catalina Brand is a masterpiece, named after the first granddaughter of <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-de-castro-3650982b/?originalSubdomain=ph">Carlos de Castro</a>.  A Brand that already defines the architectural work the architect must have put into if it's named after his beloved grandchild … like a gem set by Cartier to cover a high-above-the-much-adorned, said <a href="https://www.noubikko.com/About/">Noubikko</a>, CEO of RPConnect. <br><br></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Philippines has a beautiful coastline given its geographical position. As a nation made up of over 7000 islands, the country’s unparalleled coastline can be fairly called home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. It introduces initiatives that streamline the processing of long-term visas which are pivotal moves that underscore the sector’s potential for investors.<br><br><span style="text-align: center;">Once the village is developed, spend the day in these crystal blue-green waters or sunning on a secluded café latte-colored sand beach, and, you will forget about life on the mainland…  You may never want to leave, said Jun Polistico, the legendary King of the Philippine Ballad.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.losangelesdaily.net/uploads/images/202412/image_750x_674d9bdbc1b8a.jpg" alt="" width="572" height="430"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>You don’t need to be a visionary to calculate luxury, this 8.8-hectare of resort comes close to Utopia.  The master plan of the village is created under-the-radar of Carlos de Castro in a mix of paradise—cocktails of zen on the beach, laced with full services which are all included, from massage to the fully stocked kitchen in your villa to all meals and drinks at your command,<span> </span><a href="https://philippine-times.com/nadia-arroyo-and-her-legacy-behind-the-curtain-of-wisdom-prowess">Nadia Arroyo</a><span> </span>said, President of Beulah.<br><br></em><img src="https://www.losangelesdaily.net/uploads/images/202412/image_750x_674d9bd74248c.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Visiting Japanese Investors in Tumarbong, Roxas,  (names from left to right) Jun Bioco, Carlos de Castro and Noubikko from Beulah Development;   From right to left are the Japanese Guests,   Kozue Aya, Kanako Samejima,Takashi Sakakibara, Sonte Kaishuu, Tomoko Kikuchi, Haru Yamashita, and Shuichi Masamoto </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.losangelesdaily.net/uploads/images/202412/image_750x_674d9bd960796.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Tumarbong Boasts its finest Cafe Latte colored sands</em></p>]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Not Tea, Not Milk, but Café Latte Colored Sand Beaches of  Palawan, Philippines</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/not-tea-not-milk-but-cafe-latte-colored-sand-beaches-of-the-philippines-1805</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/not-tea-not-milk-but-cafe-latte-colored-sand-beaches-of-the-philippines-1805</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The island of Palawan has been ranked as one of the top beaches in the world, and it’s easy to see why — it’s simply breathtaking. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://konnichiwa.today/uploads/images/202501/image_870x580_6774b9e7ea6d4.jpg" length="108558" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 26 Dec 2024 21:27:31 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>August 24, 2023 -  Manila, Philippines </strong>-  Not Jasmine Tea. Not Milk, but Café Latte- colored beach sand, <a href="https://noubikko.com/About/">Noubikko</a> said, CEO of <a href="https://rpconnect.com">RPConnect.</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Palawan Island is one lucky place to have a Cafe latte-colored sand because it means youthful and energetic. It's coffee without caffeine that provides emotional strength, optimism, and uplifting, and most of all, it is fun!<br><br>This golden bright blush is a result of crushed coral mixing with the shells. Travelers often come just to watch how this café latte sand reflects the sun which is constantly flocking the natural sparkles of their colorful underwater show. <a href="https://ph.linkedin.com/in/carlos-de-castro-3650982b">Carlos de Castro</a>, said.  Carlos is the interior architect of several of the iconic landmarks in the Philippines, like Okada, Solaire, and Raffles Hotel.<br><span><em> </em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Palawan Beaches are so indulgent that an all-day excursion seems unnecessary. Surrounding that with the gentle murmur of waves and the occasional laughter of fellow beach-goers is a day well-spent that can confuse the mind if there is any available comparison.<br><br>While in Palawan you are guaranteed to be mesmerized by the warm crystal-clear waters that gently lap the shore and an underwater spectacle.  If you are a nature lover, this pristine café latte sand is just magic!  <br><br>So go ahead, lay out your towel, and let the waves set the rhythm. Get your sunglasses ready, and see the fish darting around your toes like a lounging session ready to relax with your feet…  The rest…  leave your imagination explore the underwater rainbow which no word fits better to describe.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://coastalandleisure.com/uploads/images/202412/image_870x_675070aea7525.jpg" alt="" width="587" height="640"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><em>This slice of paradise boasts a stunning perfect soaking of the sun and splashing pure bliss.  It's a sunbather’s dream in crystal-clear waves gently kiss the shore, Jun Polistico, the legendary King of the Philippine Ballad said.</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://coastalandleisure.com/uploads/images/202412/image_870x_67506f1b3c16a.jpg" alt="" width="595" height="447"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><em> In Palawan there’s no need to rush; the sun generously bathes the beaches all year round, <a href="https://philippine-times.com/nadia-arroyo-and-her-legacy-behind-the-curtain-of-wisdom-prowess">Nadia Arroyo</a>, President of <a href="https://beulahinternational.net/">Beulah International Development</a></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://coastalandleisure.com/uploads/images/202412/image_870x_6750835ae2488.jpg" alt="" width="581" height="436"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span>The Village of Tumarbong, located in Palawan is a dream where the sun paints the sky, reflecting a spectrum of blues.  With the café latte-colored sand, the sunset will make aurora borealis jealous with plenty of colorful contrast to compare. In the picture, overlooking the most expensive Banwa Resort.  It is the chosen place of Carlos de Castro's luxury residential masterpiece, named after his granddaughter, CATALINA</span><br><br></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://coastalandleisure.com/uploads/images/202412/image_870x_67507f50a1505.jpg" alt="" width="590" height="609"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><em>A visit isn’t complete without snorkeling and gazing at colorful fish that hug your imagination. It’s no wonder visitors leave with dazzling stories and come back for more.  One visit encourages social communication and creativity! </em></span></p>]]> </content:encoded>
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