Phileas Fogg, in Jules Verne’s “Around the World in Eighty Days,” visits Japan. He travels to Yokohama on the steamship Carnatic. This journey covers 12,819 miles and is a key part of his circumnavigation wager. Fogg’s travels highlight his adventurous spirit and determination to complete the challenge. In the story, Fogg aims to complete his … Read more
In the early 20th century, many international tourists visited Japan. Notable Europeans and American teams like the New York Giants and Chicago White Sox showcased Japan’s cultural exchange. This period, influenced by the Meiji Restoration, marked a significant shift in tourism strategies amid rising political tensions with the United States. American visitors found Japan captivating. … Read more
During his 2014 visit to Japan, President Barack Obama played golf. This trip was his fifth to Asia. Critics often focused on his golfing during significant events, such as Memorial Day. However, the main goals of this trip were diplomacy and strengthening U.S.-Japan relations amidst rising tensions in the region. Obama’s decision to play golf … Read more
In 1960, physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer visited Japan. However, he did not travel to Hiroshima or Nagasaki. Oppenheimer supported the U.S. use of nuclear weapons in World War II but later questioned the bombings’ necessity, particularly after Hiroshima. This is detailed in the book “American Prometheus.” Oppenheimer’s impact on postwar atomic reactions is significant. He … Read more
Metroid Prime sold over 78,000 copies in Japan. It later joined Nintendo’s Player’s Choice line in the PAL region. The game reached 2.84 million sales worldwide and was the best-selling title in the Metroid franchise until Metroid Dread launched in 2021. Critics gave it a Metacritic rating indicating “universal acclaim.” Despite the lukewarm initial reception, … Read more
Nintendo did not operate a love hotel in Japan; this is an urban legend. Before focusing on video games, Nintendo tried various businesses, such as making playing cards and toys. The rumor about the love hotel is a misunderstanding of Nintendo’s diverse history and experimentation in different industries. Nintendo, originally founded as a playing card … Read more
During World War II, American corpsmen in the Pacific faced threats from Japanese forces. To defend themselves and their patients, they removed their Red Cross insignia. They carried M1911 pistols with their medical bags for self-defense against targeted attacks on medical personnel. Japanese combat medics focused on serving the health needs of soldiers during battles. … Read more
Japan’s infant mortality rate has historically dropped due to effective public health measures, including vaccinations. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare promotes vaccines like the hepatitis B and MMR vaccines. Claims linking vaccinations to increased infant deaths, such as SIDS, lack scientific support and misunderstand the benefits of immunization. Research indicates that Japan’s systematic … Read more
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida did not visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier alone. He visited Arlington National Cemetery on his official trip to the U.S. to lay a wreath. Members of the U.S. Army joined him. This act shows respect for veterans and reinforces the bond between Japan and the United States. However, … Read more
Japan continues to recommend vaccinations for children under age 2. The country has high vaccination rates, including the Japanese encephalitis vaccine starting at 6 months for those traveling to endemic areas. Claims that Japan stopped mandatory vaccinations are inaccurate and misleading. Impact on infant mortality became a significant concern. Without vaccinations, infants remained vulnerable to … Read more