Paper power: How Japan s manga industry embraced special editions amid digital surge
July 10, 2021 (Mainichi Japan)
Copies of the final volume of manga series Attack on Titan are seen lined up on a store shelf. Many shops have sold out of the final volume s limited edition. (Mainichi) TOKYO The manga sections of book shops and convenience stores have been through a lively period of late. From the June 9 release of the final volume of Attack on Titan to the huge success of Jujutsu Kaisen, the hits have kept on coming. Among these popular titles, higher priced special editions with elaborate designs and supplementary materials have seen particular success.
Earth-shaped gummies a hit among youngsters in Japan thanks to social media
July 4, 2021 (Mainichi Japan) Chikyu gumi candies are seen in this provided photo. (Photo courtesy of Yutaka Trading Co.) TOKYO Earth-shaped gummy treats known as Planet Gummi have recently created a buzz on social media in Japan, especially among young people, and have been selling out in succession across the country. In Japan, the candies are dubbed chikyu gumi, or earth gummies. After hearing about them for the first time this spring, a Mainichi Shimbun reporter explored the background to this mysterious product and what has driven its popularity.
Senior official removed at Japan s communications ministry over ethics scandal
March 8, 2021 (Mainichi Japan)
Yasuhiko Taniwaki, vice minister for policy coordination at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, is seen on March 5, 2021. (Mainichi/Kan Takeuchi) TOKYO Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Ryota Takeda said on March 8 he has removed Yasuhiko Taniwaki, vice minister for policy coordination at the ministry, from his position, on the grounds it was highly likely he violated ethics regulations for public servants by being wined and dined by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp. (NTT). Taniwaki has been transferred to the minister s secretariat, Takeda told a group of reporters at the ministry. We repeatedly checked with Taniwaki during a previous investigation whether there were any other actions violating ethics regulations, but in spite of this, actions raising suspicions of a new violation have been uncovered, which is extremely regretta