Japan

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Coronavirus updates in Japan: Some venues reopen while sporting events still on hold

Due to ongoing coronavirus concerns, officials in Japan on Feb. 26 called for the cancellation, postponement or scale down of upcoming major events for the next few weeks.
A sign outside Joan K. Mendel Elementary School announces an upcoming teacher work day at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Tuesday, March 31, 2020. THERON GODBOLD/STARS AND STRIPES
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Defense Department schools in Japan, South Korea to remain shuttered beyond spring break

Defense Department schools in Japan and South Korea will remain closed beyond spring break and virtual instructions will continue “until further notice” due to ongoing coronavirus concerns, school officials announced Tuesday.
A floor decal inside the post office at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo encourages social distancing, Friday, March 27, 2020. THERON GODBOLD/STARS AND STRIPES
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Coronavirus cases surge for US military in Japan; three sailors, two airmen, Army dependent test positive

Commanders ordered people to shelter in place and enacted other safety measures for U.S. personnel in Japan, where five active-duty service members and one dependent have tested positive for coronavirus since Thursday.
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Did you know?: Prayers, wishes are put on plaques at Shinto shrines

You may have noticed small wooden plaques with drawings of horses and Japanese characters hanging in the gardens of Shinto Shrines. These “ema,” or horse icons, are used 
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What is this? Can you identify this Japanese item?

You may have seen these wooden plaques when visiting Shinto shrines around japan. These are decorated with drawings of the year’s zodiac sign or the temple’s symbol along with special Kanji characters.
These are called ema, which also means horse in Japanese. Ema are used to write prayers and ask for good luck in certain endeavors.
U.S. soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade connect a bridge section during a rafting exercise on Namhan River, South Korea, on Feb. 27, 2019. ADELINE WITHERSPOON/U.S. ARMY
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Pentagon issues stop movement order for all service members, DOD civilians overseas in effort to combat coronavirus

In an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus, Defense Secretary Mark Esper issued a 60-day stop movement order for all service members, Defense Department civilians and sponsored family members stationed overseas.
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Movement for some sailors restricted as INDOPACOM heightens health-risk status

U.S. Navy installations in Japan moved Wednesday to restrict movements and activities in response to a state of heightened risk for coronavirus declared by the far-reaching Indo-Pacific Command.
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Time to pay up! It’s road tax season in Japan!

It’s time to pay your annual road taxes, which are mandated by Japanese law and based on vehicle engine size.
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Travel
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VIDEO: Cherry blossoms popping up around the Kanto!

It’s time again for Japan’s beloved cherry blossom season. The trees are blooming at Tokyo Midtown and Aoyama Cemetery, only a few minutes from Hardy Barracks. Temperatures are expected to rise and full bloom is expected to happen over the weekend.
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Understanding Japanese customs and etiquette

Every culture has its own rules regarding etiquette. In Japan, some of these rules are straightforward while others are more subtle. One of the basic concepts of Japanese society is to maintain social harmony by respecting how others might feel.
 
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Food & Drink
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All about tasty Japanese-style curry

Most of my foreign friends tell me they didn’t know how much Japanese love curry until they came to Japan. Well, not only do we love it, but we actually have a very deep-rooted curry culture.
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: Japanese

Tips and recipes for a safe, tasty boxed lunch

Making bento myself greatly helps in saving money while enjoying my favorite dishes every lunch. Preparing a bento may be considered time-consuming and bothersome to prepare, especially in the busy morning, but the following tips can make it easier and more fun!
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: Japanese

Bento: Traditional portable dish highlights lunch in Japan

During lunch, you may have witnessed a Japanese coworker eating out of a home-packed box. Or maybe during a stroll in the park, you noticed a salarymen sitting on a bench with a smartphone and a little wooden lunch box.
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: Pub

Enjoy Misawa's authentic Irish pub with tasty beers

Situated just a couple-minutes-walk from the main gate of Misawa AB, Paddy’s offers authentic Irish beers in a cozy, military-friendly and smoke-free setting.
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: Chinese|Japanese

Cheap, easy lunch found throughout Japan

Just a 5-minute walk from Hardy Barracks, Kourakuen is a very popular Chinese restaurant among the local salarymen.
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VIDEO| How to say 'thank you' after eating in Japan

You just got done eating a wonderful meal at Japanese friend's home or a restaurant.