Wataru Tenkawa
@10wataru.bsky.social
Naturalized Japanese citizen from Michigan via San Francisco, car-free Tokyo resident since 1978, thriving on a no-mammals diet since 1970
"Hotel reservations in Japan by Chinese tourists have boomed for the Lunar New Year holiday in February, according to the latest industry data, even amid a diplomatic dispute that has caused Beijing to advise its citizens from traveling to Japan." asia.nikkei.com/business/tra...
Chinese bookings at Japan hotels surge for Lunar New Year despite tensions
Reservations up 57% from previous year thanks mostly to individual travelers
asia.nikkei.com
December 31, 2025 at 12:06 AM
"Hotel reservations in Japan by Chinese tourists have boomed for the Lunar New Year holiday in February, according to the latest industry data, even amid a diplomatic dispute that has caused Beijing to advise its citizens from traveling to Japan." asia.nikkei.com/business/tra...
POTUS no doubt consumes lots of it.
"These findings suggest aspartame at permitted doses can compromise the function of major organs, and so it would be advisable to reassess the safety limits for humans" www.sciencealert.com/even-low-dos...
"These findings suggest aspartame at permitted doses can compromise the function of major organs, and so it would be advisable to reassess the safety limits for humans" www.sciencealert.com/even-low-dos...
Even Low Doses of Aspartame Could Have Alarming Health Effects, Study Finds
The artificial sweetener aspartame can be found in everything from chewing gum to fizzy drinks and tabletop sweeteners.
www.sciencealert.com
December 30, 2025 at 3:45 AM
POTUS no doubt consumes lots of it.
"These findings suggest aspartame at permitted doses can compromise the function of major organs, and so it would be advisable to reassess the safety limits for humans" www.sciencealert.com/even-low-dos...
"These findings suggest aspartame at permitted doses can compromise the function of major organs, and so it would be advisable to reassess the safety limits for humans" www.sciencealert.com/even-low-dos...
Seems important
www.wsj.com/world/asia/c...
www.wsj.com/world/asia/c...
See How a Chinese Attack on Taiwan Would Be Japan’s Problem
In a conflict, Taipei’s fate would become quickly intertwined with the U.S.-Japan security alliance.
www.wsj.com
December 30, 2025 at 2:23 AM
Seems important
www.wsj.com/world/asia/c...
www.wsj.com/world/asia/c...
年賀状 all designed, printed, scribbled on and dropped in the post box. Quite early this year for a change
December 28, 2025 at 8:13 AM
年賀状 all designed, printed, scribbled on and dropped in the post box. Quite early this year for a change
After seeing what happened to Ukraine, why would NK or any other country agree to give up its nuclear weapons? www.scmp.com/opinion/asia...
Opinion | Seoul holds the key to US-North Korea denuclearisation talks
South Korea is taking steps to cool tensions – from moving to opening joint military drills to consultations to easing up on immediate denuclearisation demands.
www.scmp.com
December 25, 2025 at 12:13 AM
After seeing what happened to Ukraine, why would NK or any other country agree to give up its nuclear weapons? www.scmp.com/opinion/asia...
I wonder how many people today are aware that the Jingles referred to in the parody song "Jingles Smells" is Jingles P. Jones, played by Andy Devine on the TV series The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok from 1951 to 1958.
December 24, 2025 at 7:36 AM
I wonder how many people today are aware that the Jingles referred to in the parody song "Jingles Smells" is Jingles P. Jones, played by Andy Devine on the TV series The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok from 1951 to 1958.
Went shopping in Kichijoji and people were lining up everywhere to buy cakes or chicken. Must be a special holiday coming up.
December 24, 2025 at 7:23 AM
Went shopping in Kichijoji and people were lining up everywhere to buy cakes or chicken. Must be a special holiday coming up.
I need to update my view of deck.blue because the program itself has been updated with lots of configuration options. It's the Tweetdeck-like interface for following Bluesky, especially useful if you've created lists and want to see them in separate columns. Now rate as highly recommended.
deck.blue
Get the most out of Bluesky with a multi-column layout
deck.blue
December 24, 2025 at 7:22 AM
I need to update my view of deck.blue because the program itself has been updated with lots of configuration options. It's the Tweetdeck-like interface for following Bluesky, especially useful if you've created lists and want to see them in separate columns. Now rate as highly recommended.
"If you're new to the wide world of planners, you might be wondering: What's all the hype about the Japanese versions?"
The Best Japanese Planners (2026): Hobonichi Techo, Kokuyo Jibun Techo www.wired.com/story/japane...
The Best Japanese Planners (2026): Hobonichi Techo, Kokuyo Jibun Techo www.wired.com/story/japane...
As a Planner Addict, Here’s Why I Think Japanese Planners Are Worth Switching To
Are Japanese planners like the Hobonichi really better than American planners? Here’s where they differ and why you might want to switch.
www.wired.com
December 22, 2025 at 1:11 PM
"If you're new to the wide world of planners, you might be wondering: What's all the hype about the Japanese versions?"
The Best Japanese Planners (2026): Hobonichi Techo, Kokuyo Jibun Techo www.wired.com/story/japane...
The Best Japanese Planners (2026): Hobonichi Techo, Kokuyo Jibun Techo www.wired.com/story/japane...
I and all the others I know who have naturalized already met the stricter requirements with room to spare. www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2...
Japan Eyes Stricter Residency Requirement for Naturalization
Tokyo, Dec. 22 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government and ruling parties began considering tightening the requi…
www.nippon.com
December 22, 2025 at 12:10 PM
I and all the others I know who have naturalized already met the stricter requirements with room to spare. www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2...
For those so inclined betanews.com/2025/12/22/a...
Anna’s Archive has ‘backed up Spotify’ and created a series of bulk torrents
The latest move by “the largest truly open library in human history” see the site “back up Spotify”. More than this, Spotify’s entire library of content is
betanews.com
December 22, 2025 at 10:14 AM
For those so inclined betanews.com/2025/12/22/a...
Am finally starting to get some engagement here. Now all I want from Bluesky are
- a lot more active users, esp. Japanese
- longer post length
- editing of posts to correct mistakes
- a *built-in* multi-column interface with the features of X-Pro
- a lot more active users, esp. Japanese
- longer post length
- editing of posts to correct mistakes
- a *built-in* multi-column interface with the features of X-Pro
December 21, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Am finally starting to get some engagement here. Now all I want from Bluesky are
- a lot more active users, esp. Japanese
- longer post length
- editing of posts to correct mistakes
- a *built-in* multi-column interface with the features of X-Pro
- a lot more active users, esp. Japanese
- longer post length
- editing of posts to correct mistakes
- a *built-in* multi-column interface with the features of X-Pro
“Persistent trade tensions are having an immediate and adverse effect on U.S. spirits exports. Our international consumers are increasingly opting for domestically produced spirits or imports from countries other than the U.S.”
finance.yahoo.com/news/iconic-...
finance.yahoo.com/news/iconic-...
Iconic 230-year-old whiskey brand pauses distilling for a year
Bourbon has been distilled in this location for nearly 100 years.Making bourbon requires following specific rules. When you add costs to a product, consumers tend to migrate to cheaper options. That's...
finance.yahoo.com
December 21, 2025 at 12:47 AM
“Persistent trade tensions are having an immediate and adverse effect on U.S. spirits exports. Our international consumers are increasingly opting for domestically produced spirits or imports from countries other than the U.S.”
finance.yahoo.com/news/iconic-...
finance.yahoo.com/news/iconic-...
"A new study has found that eating 50g or more of high-fat cheese a day correlates with a lower risk of developing dementia. That means all cheeses with more than 20 percent fat content, including brie, gouda, cheddar, parmesan, gruyere, and mozzarella." www.sciencealert.com/cheese-linke...
Cheese Linked to Lower Dementia Risk in 25-Year Study
One of the finest foods available to humanity may carry an unexpected benefit.
www.sciencealert.com
December 19, 2025 at 2:19 AM
"A new study has found that eating 50g or more of high-fat cheese a day correlates with a lower risk of developing dementia. That means all cheeses with more than 20 percent fat content, including brie, gouda, cheddar, parmesan, gruyere, and mozzarella." www.sciencealert.com/cheese-linke...
Trying out this Islay single malt for the first time. It really has a strong bite from the start, and the peat just keeps on giving. Quite a change from my usual Aberlour or Glendronach. (That's my name, Wataru, on the glass, which my daughter gave me as a present.)
December 18, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Trying out this Islay single malt for the first time. It really has a strong bite from the start, and the peat just keeps on giving. Quite a change from my usual Aberlour or Glendronach. (That's my name, Wataru, on the glass, which my daughter gave me as a present.)
People lining up for Nagoya soul food (ankake pasta) in Kichijoji. I guess it helps that the owner is a former boys band heartthrob who is married to rising star actress Shuri. Not many Chinese tourists these days, but still plenty of customers at all the favorite spots along Nakamichi-doori.
December 13, 2025 at 6:58 AM
People lining up for Nagoya soul food (ankake pasta) in Kichijoji. I guess it helps that the owner is a former boys band heartthrob who is married to rising star actress Shuri. Not many Chinese tourists these days, but still plenty of customers at all the favorite spots along Nakamichi-doori.
“While we do not yet have results to report, it’s clear that three years of overbroad export controls fuelled America’s foreign competitors and cost US taxpayers billions of dollars,” Nvidia said.
www.straitstimes.com/world/united...
www.straitstimes.com/world/united...
China is ‘rejecting’ Nvidia’s H200 chips, outfoxing US strategy, Sacks says
This comes as China weighs a package of incentives worth billions to support its chipmaking industry. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.
www.straitstimes.com
December 13, 2025 at 4:46 AM
“While we do not yet have results to report, it’s clear that three years of overbroad export controls fuelled America’s foreign competitors and cost US taxpayers billions of dollars,” Nvidia said.
www.straitstimes.com/world/united...
www.straitstimes.com/world/united...
That's far more information than I had to provide to become a Japanese citizen
It's not just social media. Looks like visitors to the US from Europe and other countries that are part of the visa waiver program will have to submit an enormous amount of data about themselves and their families, including DNA, if proposed new rules are accepted
December 12, 2025 at 12:51 PM
That's far more information than I had to provide to become a Japanese citizen
TIL
「성괴（ソンケ）」とは、「整形怪物、サイボーグ」という意味の韓国語。
「성형괴물（ソンヒョンケムル）」の略語で、美容整形をしすぎてサイボーグ（改造人間）のようになってしまった人を指す言葉です。
ray-web.jp/517732
「성괴（ソンケ）」とは、「整形怪物、サイボーグ」という意味の韓国語。
「성형괴물（ソンヒョンケムル）」の略語で、美容整形をしすぎてサイボーグ（改造人間）のようになってしまった人を指す言葉です。
ray-web.jp/517732
「성괴（ソンケ）」の意味は？韓国ならではの言葉…！？【韓国語クイズ】
韓国語の日常フレーズを出題！クイズ形式で言葉を覚えて、韓国ドラマをもっと楽しもう。
ray-web.jp
December 10, 2025 at 8:34 AM
TIL
「성괴（ソンケ）」とは、「整形怪物、サイボーグ」という意味の韓国語。
「성형괴물（ソンヒョンケムル）」の略語で、美容整形をしすぎてサイボーグ（改造人間）のようになってしまった人を指す言葉です。
ray-web.jp/517732
「성괴（ソンケ）」とは、「整形怪物、サイボーグ」という意味の韓国語。
「성형괴물（ソンヒョンケムル）」の略語で、美容整形をしすぎてサイボーグ（改造人間）のようになってしまった人を指す言葉です。
ray-web.jp/517732
"What skill did you master that you will never, ever use again?"
Editing reel-to-reel tapes for broadcast by cutting and splicing
Editing reel-to-reel tapes for broadcast by cutting and splicing
December 9, 2025 at 12:48 PM
"What skill did you master that you will never, ever use again?"
Editing reel-to-reel tapes for broadcast by cutting and splicing
Editing reel-to-reel tapes for broadcast by cutting and splicing
"Russian oil exports in November were the lowest in recent years as western sanctions and a wave of Ukrainian drone strikes disrupted tankers and export terminals.... Moscow could face deeper structural constraints on its ability to sell cheap oil to global markets." www.ft.com/content/fe04...
Russia’s oil industry could suffer long-term damage from Ukrainian drone attacks
Higher insurance costs, western sanctions and damage to infrastructure could erode Russian profits
www.ft.com
December 9, 2025 at 12:43 PM
"Russian oil exports in November were the lowest in recent years as western sanctions and a wave of Ukrainian drone strikes disrupted tankers and export terminals.... Moscow could face deeper structural constraints on its ability to sell cheap oil to global markets." www.ft.com/content/fe04...
Solar users, who tend to be middle class, get hefty subsidies. "So, the middle-class electricity usage is being subsidized by the working class. The poor pay for the rich to heat their swimming pools, while the poor can’t even afford to keep their streetlights on."
gerrymcgovern.com/the-many-hid...
gerrymcgovern.com/the-many-hid...
The many hidden costs of solar
gerrymcgovern.com
December 8, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Solar users, who tend to be middle class, get hefty subsidies. "So, the middle-class electricity usage is being subsidized by the working class. The poor pay for the rich to heat their swimming pools, while the poor can’t even afford to keep their streetlights on."
gerrymcgovern.com/the-many-hid...
gerrymcgovern.com/the-many-hid...
Shopping today, I reached for a bottle of Dewars White (1400 yen+) when it seemed to slip from my hands. I frantically saved it from crashing to the floor. After paying for it along with my other stuff, I looked at the bottle and noticed it was a Suntory Chita (nearly 6000 yen) I'd actually bought.
December 5, 2025 at 7:34 AM
Shopping today, I reached for a bottle of Dewars White (1400 yen+) when it seemed to slip from my hands. I frantically saved it from crashing to the floor. After paying for it along with my other stuff, I looked at the bottle and noticed it was a Suntory Chita (nearly 6000 yen) I'd actually bought.
"While the liver produces a small amount of choline naturally, our daily recommended intake can be easily managed by eating eggs, fish, poultry, beans, and cruciferous vegetables."
www.sciencealert.com/theres-a-sur...
www.sciencealert.com/theres-a-sur...
There's a Surprising Link Between a Key Nutrient, Obesity, And Alzheimer's Risk
A combination of obesity and low levels of the nutrient choline could contribute to accelerated brain aging and potentially some early triggers of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, accor...
www.sciencealert.com
December 2, 2025 at 7:55 AM
"While the liver produces a small amount of choline naturally, our daily recommended intake can be easily managed by eating eggs, fish, poultry, beans, and cruciferous vegetables."
www.sciencealert.com/theres-a-sur...
www.sciencealert.com/theres-a-sur...
I walk through Kichijoji almost daily and see how many tourists flock to the area. Today it was as full of people as always, with long lines at the popular spots. No noticeable effect from the supposed drop in Chinese visitors. (I did hear some Russian being spoken, fwiw.)
November 30, 2025 at 11:24 AM
I walk through Kichijoji almost daily and see how many tourists flock to the area. Today it was as full of people as always, with long lines at the popular spots. No noticeable effect from the supposed drop in Chinese visitors. (I did hear some Russian being spoken, fwiw.)