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This Mysore Cafe is Tokyo’s Go-To Spot for Traditional Karnataka Cuisine

January 21, 2025, 1:36 pm

Chancing upon an Indian food-serving restaurant in another country during travel can be quite exciting. Here is such an experience. In the recently trending video, an Instagram user named Shwetha Aradhya can be seen as excited when she discovers a restaurant called “Mysore Cafe” in Tokyo, Japan.

Located in Nakano Sakaue, the cafe is known for its skillfully prepared South Indian dishes, and its Japanese owner was inspired by a trip to Mysuru. In the video, Shwetha enjoys the tangy lemon rice and a steaming cup of Chikmagalur coffee, complimenting the warm ambiance of the cafe, which she describes as inviting and homely.

She posted her experience, saying, “Mysore Cafe is an absolute gem for South Indian cuisine lovers. From the moment I walked in, the aromas transported me back home. I savoured their lemon rice, a delightful blend of tanginess and traditional spices, paired perfectly with a steaming cup of Chikmagalur coffee.” She added, “The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy authentic flavors.”. Whether you do miss South Indian food or desire to try some different, there is no escape from Mysore Cafe once you are within the food circuit of Tokyo.

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A post shared by Shwetha Aradhya (@kannadati_in_japan)

The video online has gone widely viral, people appreciating their cafe. On the comment “Woah!! I usually take office lunch by Uber from here. Thought somebody Kannadigara was operating this restaurant, Authentic taste. More love to them now.” Another user remarked, “I will surely visit on my next trip. Thank you and respect to these cafe owners.” One person also said, “Wow, that’s so well presented and I am sure it would taste great too!” Another user praised the cafe, saying, “We need to salute this hotel in Japan. Really great,” one more commented, “Thanks so much for introducing us to this special place.” A commenter finally wrote, “Good to know that Japanese like our Karnataka dishes.”

Since its share, the video has gained over nine lakh views.

Tokyo Takes Bold Step With Four-Day Work Week To Tackle Low Birth Rate

December 6, 2024, 11:05 am

In a bold attempt to solve Japan’s low birth rate, Tokyo has unveiled a four-day workweek for civil servants. This should be taken as an initiative toward having more time for work-life balance since civil servants can scale down their working days, still managing to meet the required number of hours per month. The Mayor of Tokyo, Yuriko Koike, noted that parents with young children will be included in the flexible hours as well.

Improving Women’s Empowerment towards a Bright Future

Governor Koike stated that Japan‘s long history of women’s empowerment falling behind has to be changed to build a more diversified and prosperous society. “Our aim is to create a brighter future through better work-life balance, including three holidays per week,” she said during a speech on December 3. The policy is considered an important move towards the resolution of demographic challenges and providing support for families, particularly women in the workforce.

Four-Day Week from April 2025

The four-day work week will be open to the employees of the Tokyo Metropolitan government, which is set to begin in April 2025. However, staff will still have to work 155 hours per month. In the future, the city will submit a draft proposal for flexible working hours to the Tokyo city assembly by 2025.

Solving Japan‘s Demographic Crisis

Japan‘s aging population and low birth rate have necessitated urgent action from the government. The prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, recently termed the situation a “quiet emergency.” To address this, the government is looking for innovative solutions to support families and improve welfare benefits. Governor Koike‘s move is part of a larger drive to make social welfare policies stronger and to bring more workers into the labor market.

Expanding Flexible Work Policies Across Japan

Other areas of Japan also employ these kinds of flexible work structures for better work-life balance. For instance, the Miyagi Prefecture just introduced its intentions to offer all workers in the workplace an extension of a four-day working schedule until 2026. Another such location, for instance, Ibaraki, Chiba, and Kuji is also examining various alternatives similar to this in aiding childcare and caregiver support for improved retention.

Reinventing Future Work Culture

The idea of a shorter work week is not new to Japan, where overwork has been a major societal concern. The country reports at least 54 deaths annually attributed to overwork, and efforts to address this have gained momentum in recent years. In offering employees the choice of more flexible work styles, Japan aims to create a “virtuous cycle” of growth and distribution, providing workers with better opportunities for the future.

Improving Female Workforce Participation

Koike’s administration also focuses on the rising number of women in the labor force. The government is implementing a new program called “Women in Action.” A partial vacation scheme for parents of children at elementary school grade one to three will be implemented under this program. This is one aspect of a bigger plan to make work more flexible and accessible to parents and carers.

The new policies are modern and are aimed to create a sustainable and balanced force as Japan continues to face demographic challenges ,allowing all workers to thrive in their place without giving up personal life.

‘Sex Toys’: This Japanese Company Bold Move To Make It Everyday Item

November 6, 2024, 12:07 pm

Tenga, the Japanese adult toy manufacturer, has launched a new flagship store in Tokyo’s Harajuku district, marking a bold step in making adult products more accessible and less stigmatized. Unlike the conventional, often hidden nature of such products, the sleek and vibrant store showcases a wide range of Tenga items, which include toys for both men and women, alongside family planning aids and solutions for sexual disorders. This modern, open approach has attracted a broad mix of customers, including couples and tourists, and has even surprised some visitors with its polished, non-taboo presentation.

De-Stigmatizing Sexual Pleasure

Founded by Koichi Matsumoto in 2005, Tenga initially made waves with its single-use male masturbation aids, often considered a taboo subject in Japan. Matsumoto’s mission was to create products that moved away from the crude, often degrading designs of earlier sex toys that were marketed with explicit imagery and messages. His vision was to promote sexual pleasure as a natural and important human desire rather than something to be hidden away or shamed. Tenga’s products are designed with an artistic, minimalist flair, aiming to be both functional and stylish, removing the lewd connotations typically attached to adult toys.

Broadening Market Appeal

Despite initial hesitation and stereotypes about their target audience, Tenga has steadily expanded its reach. Matsumoto, whose company is now worth over 10 billion yen, has worked to break the stigma surrounding masturbation, noting that many view Tenga products as catering to “lonely, single men.” However, the company’s expanding product line, which includes vibrators and items designed to enhance intimacy between couples, challenges this assumption, offering something for everyone. Tenga’s global appeal is also evident, with nearly half of its annual sales coming from overseas markets.

Health and Wellness Focus

Tenga’s focus is not limited to pleasure; the company has also branched into healthcare, offering products like sperm monitoring kits and erectile dysfunction aids. Japanese doctors are increasingly recommending some of Tenga’s items to treat sexual health issues, highlighting their medical usefulness in treating common conditions. Despite Japan’s conservative stance on open discussions about sex, Tenga’s stylish and health-conscious branding is helping reduce the stigma around such topics, creating opportunities for more open dialogue.

Targeting Japan’s Aging Population

With Japan facing a demographic crisis due to its low birth rate and aging population, Tenga is looking to address the needs of older generations, whose sexual desires are often overlooked. Many elderly individuals feel disconnected from the notion of sexual intimacy as they are assumed to be too old for such concerns. Tenga’s products are aimed at not only addressing sexual dysfunction but also promoting a healthier attitude toward intimacy, particularly for elderly women who were once taught that discussing sex was “unladylike.”

By challenging taboos, expanding its product offerings, and embracing a wider audience, Tenga is paving the way for a more open, inclusive conversation about sexual health in Japan and beyond.

Two Delta Planes Collide On Atlanta Airport Tarmac, No Injuries Reported

September 11, 2024, 12:33 am

Two Delta Air Lines planes collided on the tarmac at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Tuesday morning, resulting in damage to both jets. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and passengers were safely rebooked.

Incident Details
A Delta Airbus A350 bound for Tokyo clipped the tail of a smaller Bombardier CRJ-900 on an adjacent taxiway. The regional jet, operated by Delta subsidiary Endeavor Air, was preparing to depart for Lafayette, Louisiana, when the incident occurred.

Meteorologist Jason Adams, a passenger on the CRJ-900, described the event as “terrifying” in a social media post. He recalled hearing “metal scraping sounds and loud bangs” during the impact but confirmed there was no fire or smoke.

Immediate Response
Passengers on the smaller plane were safely bused back to the terminal, while the Airbus A350 was able to return to the gate under its own power. Both planes sustained damage, with photos showing the tail of the smaller jet lying on the taxiway.

Investigation Underway
Delta has stated that it will fully cooperate with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other authorities in investigating the collision. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also involved in the investigation.

Despite the collision, airport officials reported minimal disruptions to operations at the world’s busiest airport.

This Japanese Bar Employs Muscular Women Staff Who Slap, Kick And Lift Customers

August 21, 2024, 5:50 pm

Japan is known for its unique themed bars and restaurants, including those with laboratory or ninja themes. One particularly unusual establishment in Tokyo is the “Muscle Girls Bar,” which employs strong, muscular women who perform striking and lifting services for customers, according to the South China Morning Post.

Among the staff is Maru, a 50kg waitress who can lift and carry a 130kg man in a “princess style.” The team comprises Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners, fitness influencers, professional wrestlers, and actresses. Individual services at the bar can cost up to 30,000 yen (approximately Rs 17,000).

The bar was launched by Hari, a former fitness influencer, in 2020 after her gym closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hari noted, “After slapping an Australian customer, word spread, and his friends came specifically for the slapping service,” as reported by South China Morning Post.

A world map displayed in the bar shows patrons from various countries, including Denmark, Mexico, and Germany. The bar’s popular cocktails are made by crushing grapefruits with bare hands.

The bar’s theme has garnered mixed reactions on social media. Samantha Low, a customer, praised the staff for breaking stereotypes about Japanese women, saying, “I feel very free and liberated in this bar.” In contrast, another person commented on YouTube, “I can’t understand why anyone would go to a bar to experience physical pain. This is crazy.”

What are your thoughts on this themed bar? Share your views in the comments section.

Jaishankar Unveils Mahatma Gandhi Bust In Tokyo, Highlights His Messages

July 28, 2024, 2:09 pm

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the timeless relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s messages, stating that solutions do not come from a battlefield and that no era should be an era of war. Jaishankar made these remarks on Sunday during the unveiling of a bust of Gandhi at Freedom Plaza in Edogawa, Tokyo. He highlighted the ongoing significance of Gandhi’s teachings in today’s world, which is rife with conflict, polarization, and bloodshed. Jaishankar noted, “Gandhiji’s message was that solutions do not come from a battlefield, that no era should be an era of war. And that message applies today as much as it did 80 years ago.”

Advocate of Sustainable Growth

Jaishankar also underscored Gandhi’s foresight regarding sustainability and green growth, calling him the original prophet of sustainable development. He pointed out that Gandhi’s advocacy for living in harmony with nature is increasingly relevant in contemporary discussions on climate change and sustainability. “The message of Gandhiji, that it is not just something for governments to do, but for everybody to do in their personal life, is something which again we pass on,” Jaishankar said.

Strengthening India-Japan Relations

During the event, Jaishankar acknowledged the significance of Edogawa Ward’s decision to build a relationship with India by erecting the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. He noted that Gandhi is not only the father of the Indian nation but also a global icon whose achievements and messages continue to resonate worldwide. “The achievements of Mahatma Gandhi have far outlived his own times, with the passage of time they have got more and more importance,” he said. Jaishankar also highlighted the vibrant Indian community in Tokyo, which gathers in large numbers at Edogawa, and expressed hope that this event would further strengthen the bonds between India and Japan.

Impact of Gandhi’s Legacy

Reflecting on Gandhi’s impact, Jaishankar remarked that without Gandhi, India’s independence struggle might have taken a different direction or a much longer path. He credited India’s independence as the catalyst for the decolonization of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. “When India became free, other parts of Asia became free, Africa became free, Latin America became free,” he said, adding that India’s current status as the world’s fifth-largest economy and the evolving global multipolarity can be traced back to Gandhi’s historical contributions.

Tokyo’s Dating App Initiative Aims To Revitalize Birth Rate: ‘I Am Glad’ Says Elon Musk

June 6, 2024, 12:18 pm

In an unprecedented move, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is set to launch its own dating app aimed at promoting marriage and addressing Japan’s declining birth rate. The new paid application, managed by a private entrepreneur, is scheduled for release this summer, as reported by Independent.

Users of the app will be required to submit documentation verifying their single status and sign a letter expressing their willingness to get married. Additionally, individuals will need to provide a tax certificate to confirm their annual income. As part of the registration process, users will undergo an interview to verify their identity. The app, which has undergone a free trial since late last year, will require users to specify the values they seek in a partner, with AI technology facilitating matches based on compatibility.

I’m glad the government of Japan recognizes the importance of this matter.

If radical action isn’t taken, Japan (and many other countries) will disappear! https://t.co/5zTwRCQC3o

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2024

A Tokyo government official overseeing the app stated, “We learned that 70 per cent of people who want to get married aren’t actively joining events or apps to look for a partner. We want to give them a gentle push to find one.” Another official expressed hope that the app, backed by the government, would provide a sense of security and encourage those hesitant to use traditional dating apps.

Notably, the initiative has garnered praise from tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who lauded Japan’s recognition of the importance of addressing declining birth rates. Musk emphasized the need to counteract ageing populations by increasing birth rates. Last year, Japan recorded more deaths than new births, marking the eighth consecutive year of declining births.

Financial concerns are among the primary reasons cited by Japanese individuals for remaining single, highlighting the urgency for measures to support marriage and parenthood. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has deemed the declining birth rate a significant national crisis, calling for urgent action to address the issue.

7.5 magnitude earthquake strikes central Japan, tsunami warning issued

January 1, 2024, 3:44 pm

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reports that a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 shook central Japan on Monday and prompted a tsunami warning for the western coast of the nation. According to NHK, the intensity on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture was seven on the Japanese scale, which goes from zero to seven.

The earthquake struck 42 kilometres northeast of Anamizu, Japan, at 4:10 p.m. local time. The USGS reported that the depth was 10 kilometres. Additionally, it shook central Tokyo buildings. At 4:35 p.m., waves measuring 80 cm made it to Toyama Prefecture, and at 4:36 p.m., waves measuring 40 meters reached Kashiwazaki, Niigata Prefecture. At 4:10 p.m., it also arrived at Sado Island in Niigata.

富山市　萩浦橋　津波到達中 pic.twitter.com/5TJkH4E1Mx

— 鈴木一 (@hioooomn) January 1, 2024

The tsunami warning urged people to quickly leave coastal areas of Ishikawa, Niigata, Toyama and Yamagata prefectures, with over 1.2-meter waves reaching the Noto Peninsula’s Wajima Port in Ishikawa, NHK reported.
Tsunami warnings were also issued for Niigata, Toyama, Yamagata, Fukui and Hyogo prefectures, also along the Japan Sea Coast, NHK reported.
An assessment of damages due to the earthquake is awaited.

The Japan PM Office also issued instructions amid the pressing situation.
It asked the officials to provide timely and accurate information to the public regarding the tsunami and evacuation and take thorough measures to prevent damage, such as the evacuation of residents.

Neeraj Chopra attains career high of World No. 1

May 24, 2023, 3:19 am

Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra is the World No. 1 in the latest men’s javelin throw rankings issued by the World Athletics on Monday.
Neeraj topped the charts with 1455 points, 22 ahead of Grenada’s Anderson Peters. The Indian javelin throw ace rose to World No. 2 on August 30, 2022, but has been stuck behind Peters, the reigning world champion, since then.
Neeraj won the Diamond League 2022 finals in Zurich in September of last year, making him the first Indian athlete to do so. However, he was sidelined with an injury following his victory in Zurich.
Neeraj, the Indian national record holder in men’s javelin throw, competed in the season-opening Doha Diamond League on 5 May and finished first with a throw of 88.67m. Anderson Peters finished third in Doha with a distance of 85.88 meters.
The No. 1 ranking will come as a boost for Neeraj Chopra, who will next compete at the FBK Games 2023 on June 4 in the Netherlands. He also confirmed his participation at the Paavo Nurmi Games 2023 in Turku, Finland, on 13 June.
With the Paris 2024 Olympics approaching, the 2023 season promises to be a crucial one for Neeraj. Neeraj will compete in the World Athletics Championships in Budapest in addition to defending his Diamond League title and Asian Games javelin gold medal in Hangzhou.

26/11 anniversary protest reaches Pak Embassy in Tokyo

November 27, 2022, 12:28 pm

As the Mumbai terror attack completes 14 years, people are protesting calling for justice. Hundreds of people gathered in front of the Pakistan Embassy in Tokyo to hold protests and paid tribute to 166 victims killed by Pakistan-supported terrorists.
People demanded justice and emphasised that the main perpetrators, planners, and masterminds of the despicable and inhuman act continue to wander freely in Pakistan, accusing Pakistan of harbouring and protecting terrorists. The protesters demanded that Pakistani authorities prosecute Hafiz Saeed, the leader of Lashkar-e-Taiba. The demonstrators displayed pictures of Hafiz Saeed and Hisashi Tsuda on banners and flags of India.
“Hafiz Saeed Mastermind 26/11/2008 Mumbai attack,” the message on the banner read. People chanted slogans like “Bharat Mata ki Jai”, “We want justce” and “26/11 terrorists must be hanged,” while calling for action against terrorists. Protesters also paid tribute to Hisashi Tsuda, a Japanese citizen who was one of the victims of the terror attacks in Mumbai.
In the meantime, a group of Belgian-based members of the Indian diaspora arranged a memorial service for the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks at the Schuman roundabout in front of the European Commission in Brussels. On Saturday, the gathering was staged under the slogan “Solidarity Against Terrorism.” Members of the Indian diaspora excitedly attended the event despite the poor weather.
In addition to expressing sympathy to the victims of the Mumbai terror attack, the attendees urged the whole community to hold those responsible for the crime accountable by holding this gathering. They informed the international organisations that, regardless of where they resided, Indian Communities were made up of peace-loving individuals who would always reject terrorism and injustice.
Participants commemorated the 26/11 terrorist attacks in Mumbai by carrying Indian flags and various banners. Notably, the three-day siege in Mumbai started on November 26, 2008, when ten terrorists from the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) organisation murdered 166 people, including 18 security personnel, and injured over 300 others.
According to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, India is collaborating with a number of nations whose citizens perished in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack. He also added that this will ensure that the actual perpetrators do not get away.
Jaishankar said, “It’s an occasion where the entire country remembers it. I want to underline how strongly we feel about it and determined we are to complete the process of justice.”
EAM Jaishankar added, “Today is the anniversary of the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai. Even after so many years, the people who planned and oversaw it have not been punished. They have not been brought to justice. This is something which we give utmost importance to.”

A Japanese man who gets paid to do “nothing”

September 6, 2022, 2:49 pm

Whatever your dream job is, but nothing can be better than getting paid for doing nothing. Shoji Morimoto, a 38-year-old resident of Tokyo, gets paid to do nothing. He charges 10,000 yen (5,670 INR) per booking to accompany clients and simply exist as a companion.

Morimoto said, “Basically, I rent myself out. My job is to be wherever my clients want me to be and to do nothing in particular. ” He added that he had handled some 4,000 sessions in the past four years.

Morimoto now has a quarter of a million followers on Twitter, and most of his clients come from there. Roughly a quarter of them are repeat customers, including one who has hired him 270 times.

Some of the tasks he has done include, going to a park with a person who wanted to play on a see-saw. He has also beamed and waved through a train window at a complete stranger who wanted a send-off.

But for him, doing nothing doesn’t mean doing anything. He has also turned down many offers, like moving a fridge, going to Colombia, and many others. Also, he doesn’t accept any requests of a sexual nature.

Once, he sat with Aruna Chida, a 27-year-old data analyst in a saree, having a sparse conversation over tea and cakes.

Chida likes to wear Indian clothes but couldn’t wear them out in public with friends because she thought it could embarrass them. So she turned to Morimoto for companionship.

Earlier, before Morimoto found his true calling, he worked at a publishing company and was often chided for “doing nothing”.

He said, “I started wondering what would happen if I provided my ability to ‘do nothing’ as a service to clients.”

The companionship business is now Morimoto’s single source of income, with which he supports his wife and child. Although he declined to disclose how much he makes, he said he sees about one or two clients a day. Before the pandemic, it was three or four a day.

Neeraj Chopra wins the Lausanne Diamond League title with a throw of 89.08m

August 27, 2022, 10:58 am

Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra won the javelin throw competition with a best throw of 89.08m at the Lausanne Diamond League on Friday.

Meanwhile, Chopra became the first Indian to win the coveted Diamond League meeting title with a win in Lausanne.

With his throw, Neeraj has qualified for the Diamond League Final which will take place on 7 and 8 September in Zurich, Switzerland.

Moreover, Chopra has now also qualified for the 2023 World Championships. Neeraj’s throw order on the day was 89.08m, and 85.18m, and skipped the third attempt.

While Curtis Thompson of America finished third with a throw of 83.72m and Czech Republic’s Jakub Valejch threw 85.88m and claim the third spot.

Earlier in July, Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was ruled out of the Commonwealth Games as he suffered a groin injury in the final of the World Athletics Championships in Oregon. Neeraj won the gold medal in the CWG 2018 held in Australia.