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Japan news from Japan Times

• The ‘Guinness effect’: Why stout is suddenly booming

  The U.K.’s biggest-selling beer, Guinness continues to grow; it’s ascended so quickly that it’s even triggered periodic shortages, forcing some pubs to ration supplies.

• Jessica Pegula knocks out defending champion Madison Keys at Australian Open

  The No. 6 seed dominated the all-American showdown 6-3, 6-4 at Rod Laver Arena.

• Nago Mayor Taketoyo Toguchi wins third term

  The news will deal a major blow to those opposing the planned relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma air base.

• Faced with Trump, Greenlanders try to reassure their children

  As early as a week after Trump’s inauguration, the Greenlandic authorities published a guide entitled “How to talk to children in times of uncertainty?”

• India's solar-panel boom: Full throttle today, uncertain tomorrow

  With the twin imperatives of development and lower carbon emissions, India has set itself ambitious renewable energy targets.

• Yen extends gains as dollar pressure mounts

  Attention is turning to Japan once again after a sharp rise in the country’s bond yields unsettled global fixed-income markets last week.

• Fidelity fund beating 96% of peers likes Japan’s AI-linked firms

  Surging share prices of memory chipmakers have opened the way for less pricey stocks of smaller firms like Fujibo who have businesses that are essential for AI.

• Mikaela Shiffrin reigns supreme to claim record title in last slalom before Olympics

  Shiffrin became the first man or woman in the history of the Alpine skiing World Cup to win more than eight globes in a single event.

Asia/Pacific news from Japan Times

• Defiance as a profession: Pakistan's jailed lawyer Imaan Mazari

  The human rights lawyer, who has been given a 10-year jail term over "anti-state" social media posts, shot to prominence tackling some of the country's most sensitive topics.

• Why is Myanmar's junta holding an election during a civil war?

  Most analysts see the election as ​a way for the military, which has governed Myanmar for much of the past six decades, to entrench its rule via proxies.

• Pakistani court jails rights activist and husband for 10 years

  Changes to the constitution and hasty legislation passed by parliament have pushed Pakistan towards tighter state control, with diminishing political and civil rights.

• U.S. defense strategy downplays China threat and says it will limit support for allies

  The document, which guides the Pentagon's policies, is expected to rattle nervous U.S. allies in Asia, including Japan.

• Final round of Myanmar vote set to seal junta ally's victory

  While the military pledges the election will return power to the people, rights monitors say the run-up has been characterized by coercion and the crushing of dissent.

• China places military’s top uniformed officer under investigation

  The probe into Gen. Zhang Youxia, the senior vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission — apparently for corruption — is one of the highest-level investigations to date.

• Weed backlash grows in Thailand as kids turn to cannabis

  The plant could be criminalized once again after next month’s election, four years after its decriminalization.

• Philippines convicts journalist on terror charge called ‘absurd’

  Community journalist and radio broadcaster Frenchie Cumpio, 26, is the first Filipina journalist to be prosecuted under the terror financing laws.

Culture news from Japan Times

• When the museum is closed, a girl falls in love with a statue

  A quirky tale of intimacy and connection in the strangest of places, the novel “When the Museum is Closed” unfolds through a girl falling in love with a statue.

• Artist Alfredo Jaar turns his critical eye toward Japan’s relationship to ‘America’

  “You and Me and the Others” is a new exhibition at Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery devoted to the works of the New York-based Chilean artist and architect.

• Late-night noh theater finds new groove in techno and jazz

  A Tokyo restaurant and bar formalizes its after-dark experiments with a new Friday-night series.

• Hanabie makes metalcore cute and chaotic

  Hanabie’s “Harajuku-core” sound proves that metal doesn’t have to fit one mold.

• Second season of ‘The Boyfriend’ lets love take its time

  Netflix Japan’s same-sex dating show returns with a season that lets relationships unfold at their own pace.

• Tetsuichiro Tsuta's 'Black Ox' rewards patience with daring cinema

  For director Tetsuichiro Tsuta, the Zen parable turned luminous mood piece is the story of a man who has “lost his connection with nature.”

• ‘Kokuho’ leads Japan Academy Film Prize nominations but falls short at the Oscars

  The hit kabuki drama had been on the shortlist for best international feature, but still received recognition for hair and makeup.

• Japanese anime ‘A New Dawn’ nominated for Berlin film festival’s top honor

  Yoshitoshi Shinomiya’s debut feature is competing for the Berlin International Film Festival’s Golden Bear as Japan’s first contender for the top prize in three years.

Sports news from Japan Times

• Jessica Pegula knocks out defending champion Madison Keys at Australian Open

  The No. 6 seed dominated the all-American showdown 6-3, 6-4 at Rod Laver Arena.

• Mikaela Shiffrin reigns supreme to claim record title in last slalom before Olympics

  Shiffrin became the first man or woman in the history of the Alpine skiing World Cup to win more than eight globes in a single event.

• Interim coach Michael Carrick breathes new life into surging Manchester United

  The former United midfielder jumped at the chance to return to Old Trafford after being sacked by second-tier Middlesbrough in June.

• 'Heartbroken' Timberwolves resume play as athletes react to turmoil in Minneapolis

  The Timberwolves observed a moment of silence honoring Alex Pretti that ended amid expletive-laced chants against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Sunday.

• Patriots outlast Broncos in blizzard to reach Super Bowl

  The conditions became almost comically difficult in the second half, with multiple players slipping and sliding on almost every play.

• Aonishiki continues meteoric rise with victory at New Year Basho

  Aonishiki clinched the New Year Basho by beating Maegashira No. 4 Atamifuji in a riveting playoff bout after both men ended the 15-day tournament with 12-3 records.

• After stumble in Nagoya, Mone Chiba targets more confident skate in Milan

  The 20-year-old struggled under the bright lights of the Grand Prix Final last month but is determined to skate with renewed confidence as she makes her Olympic debut.

• American daredevil free-climbs Taiwan's tallest building

  Alex Honnold climbed Taipei 101, which towers 508 meters into the air, as large crowds gathered and cheered below.

Life news from Japan Times

• Data-driven travel rankings crown Japan as world’s top destination

  According to travel planning outlet World Travel Index, the weak yen is a major factor in Japan’s enduring popularity with global tourists.

• Twists and turns to spice up the mild 'konnyaku'

  A staple of Setsubun, the gelatinous food can be easily enlivened by shaping it into braids and sprinkling them with some fiery chili peppers.

• Just between you and me: Gender and Japanese pronouns

  Japanese pronouns reveal gender in unexpected ways, complicating how speakers express identity compared with current English.

• Don’t let Japan’s next winter storm catch you cold

  Not used to snow and frigid temperatures now pummelling the Sea of Japan coast? Learn how to keep yourself warm until balmier temperatures return.

• Stay warm with a Japanese-style ‘pot-au-feu’ stew

  Known for their “warming” properties, scrumptious root vegetables are the perfect, nourishing ingredients to toss into your pot as peak winter hits.

• Valentino, Italian haute couture 'emperor' who painted fashion red, dies at 93

  From Hollywood glamour to Paris haute couture, Valentino built an empire on elegance, devotion to beauty and one unforgettable shade of red.

• At the origin of the ‘Mackerel Road,’ this seaside town fed Kyoto

  Obama is a quaint coastal community today, but a visit grants a look at how it played a crucial role in stocking the pantries of Japan’s ancient capital.

• With a dose of old-world charm, Bacha Coffee brews its way to Tokyo

  The boutique coffee chain’s first outlet in Japan offers all the trademarks of the brand: fragrant javas, stylish interiors and delicious croissants.

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