The February 2010 edition of the “Gekkan J-News Review”, a monthly wrap of five entertaining articles, events or observations related to Japan that piqued my interest. Not always mainstream and sometimes obscure yet invariably intriguing.

Murder exposes world of hired marriage wreckers

A murder case in Tokyo exposed Japan’s custom of hiring marriage wreckers. Businesses that specialise in breaking up relationships are known as “wakaresaseya” (“splitter upper”) where undercover operatives are paid to seduce people into an affair in order to provide divorce grounds. Read more.

Winter Hike in Nikko National Park by Mike’s Blender

A lonesome hiker escapes the bustling Tokyo megapolis to embark on a winter adventure. Trekking through deep snow along Lake Chuzenji and Lake Yunoko in the Nikko National Park he searches for solitude with Mount Nantai providing the backdrop. Read more.

Japan Plans to Ignore Any Ban on Bluefin Tuna

Japan opposes plans to list the Atlantic bluefin tuna, which is highly prized in sushi and sashimi, as a most-endangered species and to ban its international trade. Japan consumes about 80 percent of the bluefin tuna caught in the Mediterranean. Read more.

33 Must See Japanese Scenes by Muza-chan

A mega-list of thirty three recommended “must see” unique scenes that can be found only in Japan that ranges from traditional festivals, traditional theater, religion, pop culture, architecture, transport, food, clothing, martial arts and games. Read more.

« January 2010 Gekkan J-News Review

Here it is, the January 2010 edition of “Gekkan J-News Review”, a monthly wrap of five entertaining articles, events or observations related to Japan that piqued my interest. Not always mainstream and sometimes obscure yet invariably intriguing.

Fuji, Tramontane by CJW

In the off season Mt Fuji is prone to extremely unstable weather conditions. This didn’t stop one adventurer as he embarked on a lonesome and grueling climb of the highest mountain in Japan. Read his inspiring story which makes my climb more like a walk in the park.

The Japanese Passenger on the Titanic by Peter Payne

Not so famous employee of the Japanese Transportation Ministry, Masabumi Hosono, the only Japanese aboard the Titanic and survivor. On return home to Japan was attacked by the Japanese press for living fending off calls for him to commit suicide to atone for his dishonorable act. Read more.

Ruins of the Japanese Sex Industry by Michael John Grist

Michael John Grist searches and explores the abandoned ruins of Japan, a past-time known as ‘haikyo’. In the first of a series he explores the ruins of the Japanese sex industry and uncovers rotting, desolate and decaying love hotels, brothels and Turkish baths (‘Soaplands’). Read more.

Giant Robots by Muza-chan

“Robot anime” (ロボット, robotto), also known as “mecha”, is a Japanese animation genre featuring walking robots usually controlled by pilots. Muza-chan presents the top 6 life-size replicas of giant robot tourist attractions from various parts of Japan. Read more.

Shibuya Streets Vol 9 by Shibuya246

The “Shibuya Streets” series is a set of posts with pictures of the action from street level in Shibuya. Featured here is Volume 9 of the series as Shibuya246 explores Dogenzaka including shots of the Shibuya scramble crossing and the Shibuya 109. Read more.

February 2010 Gekkan J-News Review »