NEWS

No68 [IN THE EYE OF ERIC RECHSTEINER］Shibuya, Tokyo

Since they were launched in 1995, the popularity of purikura hasn’t waned. These “Print Clubs” developed by Altus and Sega continue to attract numerous fans, particularly young girls, who often use them to have their picture taken with their friends. These booths, which can be found almost eve[...]

No67 [IN THE EYE OF ERIC RECHSTEINER] Goto, Nagasaki Prefecture

© Eric Rechsteiner Night has fallen and people are gathering in this carpark to take part in a nocturnal game of petanque. This sport is increasing in popularity in the archipelago, and is even giving gateball – a game that’s very popular with Japanese people of a certain age that needs to [...]

No66 [IN THE EYE OF ERIC RECHSTEINER] Toyosu Market, Tokyo, Koto district

the world-famous tsukiji Fish market has closed down to make space for redevelopment linked to the olympic Games. it has moved into more modern premises in the new location of toyosu. this move was not without difficulties due to the numerous delays as a result of work to remove contaminated soil fr[...]

No65 [SERIES] Mayumi is a hope builder

After arriving in Niigata as a volunteer a few days after the tragedy of 11 March 2011, Nishimura Mayumi decided to live here. The tsunami that followed the earthquake on 11 March 2011 did not only destroy buildings. The region’s inhabitants were dispersed, and communal life almost fell apart. Whe[...]

No65 [IN THE EYE OF ERIC RECHSTEINER] Tokyo Korean School, Kito district

The detente between North and South Korea since the beginning of 2018 has aroused contrasting reactions in Japan. though the Japanese government remains very suspicious of North Korea, maintaining that it should be fully de-nuclearised and also return all the Japanese citizens abducted by Pyongyang,[...]

No64 [IN THE EYE OF ERIC RECHSTEINER] Goto Islands’ brewery, Nagasaki Prefecture

Mr Tateishi, president of the Tomie chamber of commerce, proudly displays a bottle of the Goto Islands’ only Toraku (島楽), whose production is largely due to his efforts. This beverage is produced with locally cultivated rice, of course, and, unusually, uses a yeast culture made from the camell[...]

No63 [IN THE EYE OF ERIC RECHSTEINER] The Isumi line, Chiba Prefecture

While in some regions, notably Hokkaido, railway lines that are considered unprofitable are being closed down, elsewhere there are attempts to keep them going. Such is the case for the Isumi Railway company, which maintains a 26.8 km stretch of line between Isumi and Kazusa Nakano, in Chiba Prefectu[...]

No62 [SERIES] A new lease of life for objects

Not wanting to be shut up in an office, this young entrepreneur chose a career in recycling. By creating Geppi Kosaku-sha, Yamauchi Takeshi has found a excellent way of establishing links with other people in the city.   Though the earthquake in 2011 brutally destroyed so much, it also highligh[...]

No62 [IN THE EYE OF ERIC RECHSTEINER] Ferry terminal, Fukuoka, island of Kyushu

Korea is only around three hours away by boat from Fukuoka, and everything that’s happening on the other side of the Straits of Korea and Tsushima is arousing great interest at the moment. Especially because since the beginning of 2018, the atmosphere in the Korean peninsula is more relaxed. This [...]

No61 [SERIES] Expressing oneself through rap music

Gakudan Hitori, aged 30, has found his life has been enriched by choosing to place music at its heart. Since the age of 15, Gakudan Hitori has found that rapping has given his life meaning.   GAKUDAN Hitori was born in the city of Higashi-Matsushima, a municipality near Ishinomaki, where he’s[...]