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Shigeharu Aoyama: A Politician Sketching Japan's Future from Multiple Perspectives

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  Shigeharu Aoyama plays a significant role in Japan's politics, economy, and security as a politician, researcher, and media personality. His activities, grounded in deep expertise and strong convictions, present new possibilities for Japan's future. Career and Areas of Expertise Since establishing the Independent Comprehensive Research Institute in 2002, Aoyama has conducted research in energy security, crisis management, national security, international relations, and national strategy. His research is highly regarded both in Japan and internationally, sharing insights through numerous lectures and publications. As a politician, serving as a member of the House of Councillors, he directly influences national policy by reflecting his research findings in policy recommendations. Ideology and Advocacy Aoyama is known for his stance on limiting his political career to "only one term of six years" and not accepting any political donations, maintaining a clean image. He ...

A Baseball Star's Roots: The Ohtani Family's Influence on Shohei's Success

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  Shohei Ohtani, a Japanese professional baseball player, currently plays for the Los Angeles and is Dodgers regarded worldwide for his passion and talent for the sport. His success can be attributed not only to his talent but also to the support of his family. Ohtani's parents have kept a low media profile due to their strong desire not to distract their son with anything other than baseball. This family rule has allowed Ohtani to maintain his focus on the sport. His family has provided support and understanding, enabling him to dedicate himself to baseball.  Ohtani's father, Toru Ohtani, is a former corporate league baseball player and currently serves as the manager of the Kanegasaki Little Senior team. His mother, Kayoko Ohtani, is a former badminton player who competed in the Inter-High School Championships and the National Sports Festival. Her approach to sports has influenced Ohtani's attitude towards competition. It is particularly noteworthy that during Ohtani'...

How to Watch Japanese TV Programs from Overseas

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Introduction Are you interested in watching Japanese terrestrial TV programs from overseas? Here are some ways to access your favorite shows, even if you're not in Japan. Free Streaming Services 1. NHK World (https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/live/)    - An international broadcasting service provided by NHK, offering free access to news and some programs.    - Available worldwide with an internet connection. 2. TVer (https://tver.jp/)    - A free video streaming service operated by Japanese commercial broadcasters.    - Access from overseas is generally restricted, but may be possible using a VPN to connect to a Japanese IP address. Paid Streaming Services 1. dTV (https://video.dmkt-sp.jp/)    - A paid video streaming service provided by NTT Docomo, offering many Japanese TV programs.    - Available overseas, but requires a monthly subscription fee. 2. Hulu (https://www.hulu.jp/)    - A paid video streaming service o...

Michał's Culinary Journey: From Poland to the Heart of Japanese Unagi Culture (English / Polish)

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  Michał, originally from Poland and deeply interested in Japanese food culture, is particularly fascinated by "unagi" eel kabayaki. His passion for Japanese cuisine began 11 years ago when he first tasted unagi kabayaki in a Japanese restaurant in Poland. This experience led him to learn cooking methods via the internet and eventually prepare unagi kabayaki at home, despite never having been to Japan. Michał's love for unagi is evident in the way he handles and prepares the large eels at home. Unable to find specialized unagi knives in Poland, he uses Japanese deba knives instead, battling the eels with techniques learned from YouTube. His effort and passion culminate in a Japanese food party with his family, enjoying the delicious unagi kabayaki after grilling, steaming, and double-grilling it on a barbecue. Recognized for his enthusiasm, Michał was invited to Japan, making his first visit five and a half years ago. He visited the Shimanto River in Kōchi Prefecture, a t...

Sarameshi: A Glimpse into Japanese Food Culture and Life through the Lunches of Working People

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  ( The text and this image are not related.)   "Sarameshi" is a popular variety program broadcasted by NHK, focusing on the lunchtime habits of people across various professions, shedding light on their work and daily lives, and exploring Japanese food culture and the lifestyles of working individuals. Since its debut in 2011, "Sarameshi" has continuously captured the hearts of viewers by showcasing the lunch situations of workplaces and households throughout Japan. Sarameshi: A Glimpse into Japanese Food Culture and Life through the Lunches of Working People The greatest allure of "Sarameshi" lies in the opportunity to peek into the lunchtimes of a broad spectrum of Japanese workers, from common professions to more unique jobs. The program features the lunches of office workers, doctors, Self-Defense Force personnel, artists, and agricultural workers, among others. These meals reveal the lifestyles, passions, and values of these individuals. Diverse Life...

PythagoraSwitch: Stimulating Children's Curiosity with Educational Entertainment

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  ( The text and this image are not related.) PythagoraSwitch is an educational program for children broadcasted by NHK Educational TV in Japan. Since its inception in 2002, the show has offered children the opportunity to learn about scientific thinking and logical problem-solving skills in a fun manner. The name "PythagoraSwitch" is inspired by "Pythagorean devices" that demonstrate cause and effect or chain reactions, with various such devices appearing throughout the show. PythagoraSwitch: Stimulating Children's Curiosity with Educational Entertainment PythagoraSwitch goes beyond merely providing knowledge; it aids children in discovering and understanding scientific phenomena and logical thinking in their daily lives. Composed of diverse content such as Pythagorean devices, animations, songs, and quizzes, the show draws out children's imagination and creativity. Pythagorean Devices: The Charm of Chain Reactions One of the show's major highlights is ...

Denjiro-Sensei - Discovering Dr. Denjiro : Japan's Beloved Science Communicator

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  (This illustration is not related to the text.) Discovering Dr. Denjiro Yonemura: Japan's Beloved Science Communicator If you're living in Japan or have an interest in Japanese culture, you might have come across a charismatic figure known for his explosive science experiments on TV. That person is none other than Dr. Denjiro Yonemura, often simply referred to as "Denjiro-sensei." Renowned for making science accessible and fun, Denjiro has become a household name, captivating audiences of all ages with his enthusiasm for science education. Who is Denjiro Yonemura? Dr. Denjiro Yonemura is a Japanese scientist and science communicator who has dedicated his career to educating the public about science in an entertaining and engaging way. With a background in physics, Denjiro-sensei has a knack for breaking down complex scientific concepts into digestible, enjoyable experiments and demonstrations. The Magic of Denjiro's Science What sets Denjiro apart is his unique ...