Latest news with #PhilipFONG
eNCA
13 hours ago
- Climate
- eNCA
Japan lifts tsunami advisory after Russia quake
TOKYO - Japan's weather office on Thursday lifted a tsunami advisory imposed a day earlier after Russia's Far East was rocked by one of the strongest earthquakes on record. "There is currently no coastal area for which tsunami warnings or advisories are in force," the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said on its website. Millions of people were put on high alert in countries around the Pacific Ocean after the 8.8-magnitude quake off Russia's Kamchatka peninsula on Wednesday. The worst damage was seen in Russia, where a tsunami crashed through the port of Severo-Kurilsk and submerged the local fishing plant, officials said. Russian state television footage showed buildings and debris swept into the sea. The initial quake caused limited damage and only light injuries. Fears of a repeat of the December 2004 tsunami that killed 220,000 people in 11 nations the legacy of which was to improve early warning systems were not realised. In Japan, where a massive earthquake and tsunami killed 15,000 people in 2011, almost two million people were ordered to higher ground, but the biggest wave was 1.3 metres (4.3 feet). AFP | Philip FONG The only reported fatality was a woman killed when her car fell off a cliff in Japan as she tried to escape on Wednesday, local media reported. Japan downgraded its tsunami alert to an advisory later on Wednesday, and waves of up to 0.7 metres were still being observed on Thursday. "The tsunami warning was lifted at 4:30 pm (0630 GMT) after it was determined that the tsunamis would not grow any larger," the JMA said. The beaching of four sperm whales on a beach in Japan was initially blamed on the earthquake but officials said the animals had washed up a day earlier. Local surfer Fumiko Udagawa said that it was the first time that such big whales were washed up in the 20 years she has lived in the area. "As surfers, we are constantly worried now about the sea water being so warm, even towards winter," the 56-year-old told AFP. "I wonder if this (stranded whales) is also a result of global warming." Akira Komatsu, a seasonal visitor, wondered if the whales washing up were a precursor of the quake. "I heard that earthquakes affect the magnetic condition underwater, and whales detect magnetics," the 61-year-old told AFP.
Sinar Daily
05-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Sinar Daily
Matcha: The Japanese tea taking over the world
Here's what you need to know about the drink beloved of weekend treat-seekers and "wellness" influencers: 05 Jul 2025 01:00pm This picture taken on May 31, 2025 shows a staff member of Milia Matcha preparing a matcha drink in Tokyo. (Photo by Philip FONG/AFP) SAYAMA - Matcha is the new drink of choice at hip cafes worldwide, but Japanese producers are struggling to keep up with soaring demand for the powdered green tea. Here's what you need to know about the drink beloved of weekend treat-seekers and "wellness" influencers: This picture taken on June 4, 2025 shows tea farm Masahiro Okutomi holding a plate of tea in a tea processing factory in Sayama city of Saitama Prefecture. (Photo by Philip FONG/AFP) What is matcha? The word matcha means "ground tea" in Japanese and comes in the form of a vivid green powder that is whisked with hot water and can be added to milk to make a matcha latte. Green tea was introduced to Japan from China in the early ninth century, and was first used for medicinal purposes. Matcha came much later, in 16th century Kyoto -- part of the tea ceremony tradition developed by tea master Sen no Rikyu. Today, there are different grades of matcha quality, from "ceremonial" to "culinary" types used in baking. How is it produced? Matcha is made from leaves called "tencha", which are grown in the shade in the final weeks before their harvest to concentrate the flavour, colour and nutrients. This "requires the construction of a complex structure with poles and a roof to filter the light", explained Masahiro Okutomi, a tea producer in Sayama, northwest of Tokyo. Tencha leaves, rich in chlorophyll and L-theanine, a compound known for its relaxing effects, are hand-picked and deveined, then steamed, dried and ground between two stone mills to produce an ultra-fine powder. It can take up to an hour to produce just 40 grams (1.4 ounces) of matcha -- making the powder on average twice as expensive to produce as standard green tea leaves. What are its benefits? Many drink matcha for its rich grass-like taste, but others are drawn to the drink's nutritional properties. It is rich in antioxidants, and can aid concentration because of its caffeine content: one cup contains on average 48 milligrams, slightly less than a drip coffee but nearly twice as much as a standardly brewed green tea. "Matcha is often seen as being good for your health," said Shigehito Nishikida, manager of Tokyo tea shop Jugetsudo. "But people are also attracted to the Japanese culture around tea: the ritual, the time taken, the aesthetics," he said. Why is it so popular? Japan produced 4,176 tonnes of matcha in 2023 -- a huge increase from the 1,430 tonnes in 2012. More than half of the powder is exported, according to the agriculture ministry, mostly to the United States, Southeast Asia, Europe, Australia and the Middle East. Millions of videos on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube demonstrate how to make photogenic matcha drinks or choose a traditional "chasen" bamboo whisk. "I feel like Gen Z really drove this enthusiasm for matcha, and they heavily relied on social media to do so," Stevie Youssef, a 31-year-old marketing professional, told AFP at a matcha bar in Los Angeles. Matcha can also be used in cooking, extending its appeal to others aside from tea lovers. "Some customers simply enjoy drinking it, others like preparing it themselves. And of course, many buy it as a gift -- Japanese matcha is always appreciated," said Jugetsudo's Nishikida. - AFP More Like This
Toronto Sun
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
CHARLEBOIS: Why matcha may be the next pumpkin spice
Fuelled by social media and a surge in health-conscious consumer habits, matcha has gone mainstream A matcha drink in Tokyo. The word matcha means "ground tea" in Japanese, and comes in the form of a vivid green powder that is whisked with hot water and can be added to milk to make a matcha latte. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP) / TO GO WITH: Japan-US-food-drink-lifestyle-internet-agriculture, by Caroline Gardin, with Romain Fonsegrives in Los Angeles. Photo by PHILIP FONG / AFP via Getty Images If you're a matcha drinker, brace yourself — prices are likely heading up, and TikTok may be to blame. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account What began as a traditional Japanese tea used in ceremonial settings has rapidly become a global wellness staple. Canada is no exception. Fuelled by social media and a surge in health-conscious consumer habits, matcha has gone mainstream. The Canadian market alone was valued at about $300 million in 2024, projected to reach $375 million by 2025 and nearly double to $700 million by 2035, according to Market Research Future. That represents a compound annual growth rate of approximately 7% over the next decade. Today, matcha is found not only in lattes but in smoothies, baked goods, energy bars, and even cosmetics. Its rise reflects a broader trend in Canadian food culture: The growing appeal of global ingredients that promise both functionality and indulgence. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. But matcha comes with a key economic constraint — supply. The production process is uniquely labour-intensive and deeply artisanal. Shade-grown, hand-picked, steamed, and stone-ground, authentic matcha — particularly from Japan's Uji region or parts of China — is difficult to industrialize. Canada, due to climate, cannot grow matcha domestically, meaning demand must be met through imports. The market's tightness leaves it exposed to price volatility as interest surges. Already, we're seeing the effects. Ceremonial-grade matcha that sells for roughly $28 per 100 grams in Japan can retail for as much as $120 in Canada — a markup exceeding 300%. Even culinary-grade matcha, which typically costs $5 to $14 in Japan, often doubles in price on Canadian shelves. As demand continues to grow, especially for premium varieties, prices could climb by another 30-40% in the coming years. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. There's also concern over authenticity. As matcha's profile rises, so too does the presence of lower-quality substitutes — powders that resemble matcha in colour but lack its nutritional properties and distinctive taste profile. Consumers may not always know the difference until they've overpaid. Cafes and restaurants are already reporting supply challenges, and many are struggling to keep pace with customer expectations. This isn't a passing inconvenience — it's an early sign of a demand-driven imbalance that may persist. Unlike fleeting trends like celery juice or butter boards, matcha's growth is supported by habit formation. Its caffeine content, antioxidant profile, and calming effects appeal especially to Millennials and Gen Z consumers looking for a healthier, more stable alternative to coffee. The fact that the industry — not just consumers — is embracing matcha also signals staying power. In many ways, matcha is positioned similarly to pumpkin spice two decades ago — only this time, with the added push of social media. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. For traditional coffee drinkers, there may be a silver lining. As matcha draws more market share, coffee demand may stabilize. That's welcome news after a year in which retail coffee prices rose 25%, according to Statistics Canada. In short, matcha is no longer niche. It's a case study in how consumer health trends, social media, and global trade dynamics can converge to reshape what — and how — we drink. If you're a coffee drinker, you might want to start promoting matcha yourself. Your wallet could thank you. — Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is the Director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University and co-host of The Food Professor Podcast. He is currently a Visiting Scholar at McGill University in Montreal. Toronto Raptors Sunshine Girls Canada Celebrity Music
eNCA
18-06-2025
- Climate
- eNCA
Heatstroke alerts issued in Japan as temperatures surge
JAPAN - Sweltering temperatures prompted heatstroke alerts in multiple Japanese regions on Wednesday, with dozens of people seeking emergency medical care in the capital Tokyo. The hot weather was headline news in the country, which last year experienced its joint warmest summer ever as climate change fuelled extreme heatwaves around the globe. Record temperatures were logged in 14 cities for June, the Japan Meteorological Agency said, while in central Tokyo the mercury hit 34.4 degrees Celsius (94 Fahrenheit). Doctors treated at least 57 people for heat-related malaise in the capital on Wednesday, adding to the 169 people seen on Tuesday. AFP | Philip FONG At least three heat-related deaths were reported in other parts of the country this week. Some Tokyo residents wore heat-repellent clothing to beat the high temperatures, like Junko Kobayashi, 73, who showed AFP her cooling scarf. "I soak it in water and then wrap it around my neck. It feels refreshing. And I use this umbrella too. It blocks the light and heat so it feels cooler," she said. Other elderly residents said they were trying to take it easy so as not to risk heatstroke, while 80-year-old Naoki Ito said he was making sure to regularly drink water. "I don't need to take a big gulp, just a small sip here and there. It's important to remember that," Ito said. AFP | Philip FONG Every summer, Japanese officials urge the public, especially elderly people, to seek shelter in air-conditioned rooms to avoid heatstroke. Senior citizens made up more than 80 percent of heat-related deaths in the past five years. Japan is also experiencing a record influx of tourists, with foreign visitors up 21 percent year-on-year in May. "It's been pretty stinking," said 31-year-old Australian tourist Jack Budd, who was trying to find shade whenever possible with his travel partner.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Floating village' to house thousands of Asian Games athletes
Performers representing Japan at the closing ceremony of the Hangzhou Asian Games (Philip FONG) Athletes at next year's Asian Games in Japan will stay on a "floating village" cruise ship and in converted shipping containers, an organising official told AFP, defending the cost-cutting move. The plan will see 4,600 athletes and officials housed on the ship for the duration of the Games, which are being held in Nagoya and the wider Aichi area from September 19 to October 4, 2026. Advertisement Organisers will lease a luxury cruise liner that will be docked at Nagoya's port. A further 2,400 people will stay in temporary shelters made from shipping containers a short bus ride away, with the two locations accommodating about half of the 15,000 athletes and officials expected at the Games. The rest will be in other accommodation, including in Tokyo where the swimming competition will take place. Local organisers were keen to avoid the cost of building a traditional athletes' village, but Asian Olympic chiefs warned that any alternative must make sure athletes can meet and mingle together. Advertisement Kazuhiro Yagi, vice-secretary general of the Aichi-Nagoya Games organising committee, told AFP that they had listened to athletes' opinions and wanted to "provide a service that satisfies them". "The cruise ship and container houses are in different locations, but they are only about 10 minutes apart by shuttle bus," he said. "I don't think it will be a problem at all with regards to being able to interact with other athletes. "There is an aquarium and various other entertainment facilities in the area. I think they'll be able to take a break, relax and come together." Advertisement The 2023 Games in China's Hangzhou had about 12,000 athletes, making it the biggest Asian Games in history, with more competitors than the Olympics. - Lack of recognition - The Asian Games are back in Japan for the first time since Hiroshima in 1994. The country has held several major sports events since then including the pandemic-delayed Olympics in 2021, football's World Cup in 2002 and the Rugby World Cup in 2019. Yagi admits that there "still isn't enough awareness" that the Aichi-Nagoya Games are happening, and says more needs to be done to spread the word. "I don't think there is anyone in Japan who hasn't heard of the Olympics or Paralympics, but my personal feeling is that maybe only half the population knows the Asian Games," he said. Advertisement "Young people weren't born when it was last held here 32 years ago, so I'd like them to find out that it's a great event." The Asian Games feature an eclectic mix of events, with bridge, kabaddi and dragon boat racing rubbing shoulders with traditional Olympic sports such as athletics, swimming, gymnastics and football. - eSports for elderly - The Aichi-Nagoya Games has added mixed martial arts to the programme and Yagi hopes its debut will showcase Asia's diverse martial arts traditions and attract new fans. "We want to appeal to the needs of young people, so including new events is essential," he said. Advertisement "We want to include mixed martial arts so that we can get the younger generation interested in sport." Esports proved a huge hit on its full Asian Games debut in Hangzhou, with fans packing into the futuristic 4,500-seat arena to watch star gamers like South Korea's Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok. Aichi-Nagoya will be the first time Japan has hosted an eSports competition on such a large scale, and Yagi thinks its benefits will be felt by more than just young people. "Esports can help elderly people who don't get a chance to exercise much," he said. "You use your fingers and make detailed movements, which I have heard is good for combating dementia. "I think this is a good chance for people of a wide range of ages to find out more about eSports." amk/pst/dh
