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Can Europe Regain “Payments Sovereignty”? The Launch of the European Network for Payments (ENP) and Implications for Japan

Can Europe Regain “Payments Sovereignty”? The Launch of the European Network for Payments (ENP) and Implications for Japan

On September 30, 2026, leading European payment providers announced the establishment of a new company, European Network for Payments (ENP). Its parti…

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Music

Music for Children

In Japan and abroad alike, music played for children is generally assumed to mean nursery songs, anime music, or other so-called “children’s music.” I have long wondered whet…

Chuo Line Personal-Injury Accident

For the first time in a while, I was caught up in a personal-injury accident. I realized it as soon as I arrived at Kunitachi Station, so I am currently working remotely from an Ex…

Sukoyaka Milk & Juice Bar

A new drink stand has opened 0 minutes’ walk from the south exit of Kunitachi Station. It is Sukoyaka Milk & Juice Bar. Their milk is made with great care, starting with…

The Damage Left by Typhoon 22 — Shuzenji

Shuzenji is the starting point of Yasunari Kawabata’s The Izu Dancer. The other day, while rereading it at our villa in Kita-Karuizawa, I began to want to visit Shuzenji too. I had…

Music

Pitch in Brass Ensembles

Watching yesterday’s sports day, one thing occurred to me. The children’s brass band was playing Sousa marches and the like, but their pitch was not in tune, creating b…

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