Latest news with #Yoko
Yomiuri Shimbun
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Women in the Reiwa Era Imperial Family / Princesses Share Father's Ways of Thinking, Continue Legacies
The Yomiuri Shimbun Princess Akiko presents her books to the winners of the 8th national junior high school biblio battle championship, a book review competition, in Kyoto on March 9. This is the third and last installment in a three-part series about what roles women born into the Imperial family should play in the Reiwa era. *** Princess Akiko, Princess Yoko and Princess Tsuguko, the great-granddaughters of Emperor Taisho, have leveraged their individual personalities to support the Imperial family. Going among people Princess Akiko, 43, of the Mikasa branch of the family, teaches at universities as an expert in Japanese art and also writes essays. Last year, her book 'Aka to Ao no Gaun' (Red and blue gown) came out in paperback. The book of essays about her six years in England studying at the University of Oxford for her doctorate became a bestseller, with 380,000 copies sold. 'Princess Akiko is a very friendly person. I was surprised by how high the quality of her manuscripts were,' said Takayuki Nagata, 52, of PHP Institute, Inc. Nagata oversaw the serialization of the princess' essays in a monthly magazine published by the institute. The princess usually lives in Kyoto. She runs an organization that helps pass Japanese culture on to the next generation, and she is personally involved in hands-on events that include traditional crafts and agriculture. At a book review competition in Kyoto in March, the princess told junior high school students and others: 'When you go abroad, you will be treated as a representative of Japan. I want you to read books and learn about the history and culture of your country.' As part of her official duties, she serves as president of 10 organizations, including the Japan-Turkey Society, which she took over from her late father, Prince Tomohito of Mikasa. 'Princess Akiko holds dear to her father's way of thinking, which was that the Imperial family should go among the people and do what they desire,' said Eizo Kobayashi, chairperson of the society. Supporting motorsports Princess Yoko, 41, the younger sister of Princess Akiko, was similarly influenced by Prince Tomohito. Nicknamed the 'Bearded Prince,' the prince devoted himself to the welfare of disabled people and the promotion of sports. In a handwritten letter to the Imperial Household Agency press club in June 2022, Princess Yoko wrote that when she performs her official duties, she asks herself, 'If it were my father, how would he feel?' She also revealed that she suffers from sensorineural hearing loss. The Yomiuri Shimbun Princess Yoko speaks to the winners of the All-Japan junior high school water essay contest in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, on Aug. 1. When she visited Home Hospice Komatsu in Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture, in the autumn of 2022, she learned that a child of a staff member at the facility was hearing-impaired. 'So am I,' she told the staff member. 'The princess has chosen to look at her hearing impairment in a positive light,' said Chiaki Sakakibara, 63, who runs the hospice. 'We were very encouraged by the kindness she showed to those around her.' In July, Princess Yoko presented the Princess Yoko Cup at the All Japan Super Formula Championship, Japan's premier auto race. The Yomiuri Shimbun Princess Tsuguko speaks to atomic bomb survivors at the Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims in Nagasaki on Aug. 7. On April 6, Princess Akiko and Princess Yoko visited the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix to watch the event and help promote motorsports. Balancing work, duties Princess Tsuguko, 39, the eldest daughter of late Prince Takamado, has been balancing her official duties with her activities at the Tokyo-based Japan Committee for UNICEF for more than 10 years. In this respect, she takes after her father, who worked at the Japan Foundation in Tokyo in addition to his official duties. On the committee, the princess is in charge of raising public awareness of UNICEF's work to support poverty-stricken areas around the world, and she travels extensively throughout Japan to do the job. Princess Tsuguko has also sought to promote peace. On Aug. 7 last year, at the closing ceremony of the All Japan inter-high school archery tournament in Nagasaki, she said in her speech: 'Even today, conflicts continue around the world.' 'There are children in the world who are not even allowed to enjoy sports,' she added. 'I hope you will think about what you can do for peace.' During a meeting afterwards with atomic bombing survivors, she crouched down to listen to them speak. 'The Emperor of the Heisei era wishes for peace and repeatedly made trips to pay his respects to the war dead in various places,' said Shigemitsu Tanaka, 84, chair of the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Survivors Council. 'I saw that his wish has been passed on to the Imperial family today.' — This series was written by Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writers Sho Mizuno, Kaori Sakaba and Michiko Otsuka.
Yomiuri Shimbun
23-04-2025
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Colombia's Lonely Chimp Finds New Home in Brazil
AFP-Jiji Chimpanzee Yoko is seen in his crate on board a Colombian Air Force plane in Bogota during his transfer to Brazil in March. PEREIRA, Colombia (AFP-Jiji) — Kidnapped from his family as an infant, then raised by a drug lord before ending up in a Colombian zoo, Yoko the chimpanzee has lived the last two years of his life alone. He lost his last friend, Chita, in 2023 when she escaped from the zoo with Pancho — Yoko's rival — and the pair was shot dead by soldiers out of human safety concerns. Last month, 38-year-old Yoko was flown to Brazil to finally join others of his kind at a sanctuary there. But will he make friends? Yoko is in many ways more human than chimp, his caregivers say. He uses a knife and fork, plays ball, watches television and makes artwork with crayons on paper and canvas. He is fond of eating sweets and chicken. Fed junk food by his captor — a narco trafficker whose name has not been divulged — Yoko has only four of his teeth left. Chimps, like humans, are meant to have 32. It was common for narco bosses such as Pablo Escobar in the 1990s to keep exotic animals as pets, including tigers and lions, and even hippos and giraffes. Yoko was taught to smoke and dress up in human clothes — causing him to develop a skin disease and lose part of his fur. 'Yoko … is a highly humanized chimpanzee, the degree of tameness is very high … He basically behaves like a child,' said veterinarian Javier Guerrero. The vet accompanied Yoko on the first part of his journey, dubbed 'Operation Noah's Ark,' from Ukumari Biopark, a zoo in the Colombian city of Pereira. A smile is not a smile Experts fear Yoko may find it hard to adapt to life with other chimpanzees at Sorocaba in the Brazilian state of Sao Paolo — the largest great ape sanctuary in Latin America. There are more than 40 other chimps there, but vets and animal behaviorists worry Yoko may not fit in. 'Yoko … is not a chimpanzee in the strict sense … he is an animal that identifies much more with human beings,' said Cesar Gomez, Ukumari's animal training coordinator. 'To give you an example, a smile is something positive' for humans, 'but for chimpanzees, it is something negative and Yoko does not understand these types of communication,' he said. Yoko was seized from his owner's lair by police in 2017 after spending an unknown amount of time there, then taken to a refuge that flooded before he became a resident of the Pereira zoo. 'He was denied the chance to be a chimpanzee and grow up with his family,' assistant vet Alejandra Marin told AFP. In the wild in their natural home in Africa, chimpanzees die at about 40 or 45 years of age. They are social, group animals, and with good care in captivity, they can live up to 60. The chimpanzee is listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. With Yoko's transfer last month, Colombia became the first country in the world to rid itself of entirely captive great apes, said the Great Ape Project, an NGO. 'The great apes are chimpanzees, orangutans, gorillas, and bonobos — none of these species are endemic to our country, and they have no reason to be here,' said Andrea Padilla, a Colombian senator of the Green Alliance who oversaw Yoko's 'deeply symbolic' transfer. 'From a very young age, Yoko was a victim of trafficking and trade, passed from one drug trafficker to another,' she added.
The Age
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
This new biography of Yoko Ono is a compelling, if one-sided, read
BIOGRAPHY Yoko David Sheff Simon & Schuster, $49.99 In September 1980 David Sheff spent three weeks in New York interviewing John Lennon and Yoko Ono for Playboy magazine. 'This will mean more than you can comprehend now,' Yoko told Sheff, then a rookie journalist. It was a prescient prediction. That December, the former Beatle was shot dead outside his Manhattan apartment. The interview was published in January 1981. 'I [helped] Yoko as she struggled to survive…[and] in the years that followed, we became good friends,' Sheff writes in his biography Yoko, which is dedicated to Yoko's two children, Sean Lennon and Kyoko Ono – both of whom granted the American author hours of interviews. It also quotes from several interviews Sheff has previously conducted with Yoko about her work and life. Yoko Ono was born on February 18, 1933, in Tokyo. Her mother's family – The Yasudas – were among Japan's four most powerful and wealthy dynasties. Ono's father was a bank executive, and his work took the family to the US, but they returned to Japan in 1941. The Second World War had a profound and lasting impact on Ono's psyche – at 12, she witnessed the firebombing of Tokyo from US Armed Forces. There were other childhood traumas, too, including sexual abuse from a family doctor. Ono returned to the US in the early 1950s, eventually befriending figures such as John Cage, La Monte Young and Jonas Mekas. Some of those experimental musicians took part in Yoko's first major solo concert, at Carnegie Recital Hall, New York, in November 1961. In her fiery performance she presented a unique vocal style, which drew on traditional Japanese Kabuki and Noh. The concert also featured two men tied together, moving across the stage in silence, while another performer lurked all night long in the bathroom. 'I wanted people to have this experience of fear,' was how Ono later explained it. It's a fitting summary of Ono's unorthodox approach to making conceptual art. Cut Piece (1964), for instance, invited members of the audience on stage to cut away pieces of her clothing, leaving her naked and exposed. The vulnerability of the provocative performance mirrored how she felt in her personal life at the time. She was 31, had attempted suicide several times, been institutionalised in a psychiatric hospital, been divorced, then remarried, and gave birth to her daughter, Kyoko, from whom she later became estranged. There were, however, glimpses of optimism. Ceiling Painting/Yes Painting (1966) asked viewers to climb on a white ladder, where a magnifying glass displayed the word YES. The installation became a central feature of an exhibition Ono held in London. John Lennon, then still married to Cynthia Lennon, showed up the night before the gallery's opening.
Sydney Morning Herald
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
This new biography of Yoko Ono is a compelling, if one-sided, read
BIOGRAPHY Yoko David Sheff Simon & Schuster, $49.99 In September 1980 David Sheff spent three weeks in New York interviewing John Lennon and Yoko Ono for Playboy magazine. 'This will mean more than you can comprehend now,' Yoko told Sheff, then a rookie journalist. It was a prescient prediction. That December, the former Beatle was shot dead outside his Manhattan apartment. The interview was published in January 1981. 'I [helped] Yoko as she struggled to survive…[and] in the years that followed, we became good friends,' Sheff writes in his biography Yoko, which is dedicated to Yoko's two children, Sean Lennon and Kyoko Ono – both of whom granted the American author hours of interviews. It also quotes from several interviews Sheff has previously conducted with Yoko about her work and life. Yoko Ono was born on February 18, 1933, in Tokyo. Her mother's family – The Yasudas – were among Japan's four most powerful and wealthy dynasties. Ono's father was a bank executive, and his work took the family to the US, but they returned to Japan in 1941. The Second World War had a profound and lasting impact on Ono's psyche – at 12, she witnessed the firebombing of Tokyo from US Armed Forces. There were other childhood traumas, too, including sexual abuse from a family doctor. Ono returned to the US in the early 1950s, eventually befriending figures such as John Cage, La Monte Young and Jonas Mekas. Some of those experimental musicians took part in Yoko's first major solo concert, at Carnegie Recital Hall, New York, in November 1961. In her fiery performance she presented a unique vocal style, which drew on traditional Japanese Kabuki and Noh. The concert also featured two men tied together, moving across the stage in silence, while another performer lurked all night long in the bathroom. 'I wanted people to have this experience of fear,' was how Ono later explained it. It's a fitting summary of Ono's unorthodox approach to making conceptual art. Cut Piece (1964), for instance, invited members of the audience on stage to cut away pieces of her clothing, leaving her naked and exposed. The vulnerability of the provocative performance mirrored how she felt in her personal life at the time. She was 31, had attempted suicide several times, been institutionalised in a psychiatric hospital, been divorced, then remarried, and gave birth to her daughter, Kyoko, from whom she later became estranged. There were, however, glimpses of optimism. Ceiling Painting/Yes Painting (1966) asked viewers to climb on a white ladder, where a magnifying glass displayed the word YES. The installation became a central feature of an exhibition Ono held in London. John Lennon, then still married to Cynthia Lennon, showed up the night before the gallery's opening.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
11 best baby shops in Singapore to pamper your little bundle of joy
Many parents of newborns find it challenging to navigate the sheer volume of baby items, which makes it difficult to determine what's essential. Cost can also be a concern for first-time parents. This is where a baby shop comes in to save the day with affordable gift sets. Here's our list of the 11 best baby shops in Singapore whose products are designed for comfort, style, and gentle care. Motherswork is a premium omni-channel retailer that was founded in 1998 to journey with women into motherhood, from the time that they are pregnant until they give birth. If you are looking for a one-size-fits-all onesie, you definitely can't miss their Baa Baa Sheepz Romper Side Snap Goodnight Baa Baa White (S$39). It is made from soft bamboo fibre. As it does not contain chemicals, it is kind to the Earth and your baby's skin. If you want to purchase a baby hat made from natural fabric, you can't look past their Motherswork x Le Petit Society Baby Organic Knotted Hat in Elephant Print (S$16). The baby hat has an adjustable top knot so that you can fasten it. It is made from 100 percent organic cotton with formaldehyde-free prints, making it safe to wear. For a full list of locations, opening hours and contact information, refer . Facebook | Instagram | Website Little Ground is a premium baby clothes store originating from South Korea. The brand features a selection of premium attire for young fashionistas aged 3 months to pre-teens. If you are looking for a breathable, comfortable T-shirt for your little boy, the Cool Pique Collar T-Shirt (S$79) is made from cool pique fabric whose waffled weave improves air circulation, keeping the wearer cool and comfortable. It also has a unique design with a contrasting-coloured Yoko collar and dog logo on the chest, showcasing one's playful side. If you have a baby girl and are looking for feminine attire, go with their Rattulip Knitted Dress (S$158). This tulip pattern jacquard dress has a refreshing orange colour. Its collar and sleeves are adorned with scalloped edges, adding a unique design element to the item. 583 Orchard Road, Forum The Shopping Mall, #01-12/13/14, Singapore 238884 +65 9179 5434 Daily: 10am – 7.30pm | | Little Lads & Lasses specialises in producing comfortable and eco-friendly baby clothes, focusing on using soft, natural materials for the well-being of babies and the environment. If you are looking for a long-sleeved shirt to keep your little one warm, your best bet is their Drool & Dribble Long Sleeve Romper (S$29). It has long sleeves that absorb moisture and shoulder buttons that open up to a wider neck width, making it easier for your baby's head to pass. It also has nappy buttons for convenient changing of diapers. If you prioritise comfortability, their Bill & Coo Bodysuit (S$39) does not have inner tags to ensure a snug fit for your baby. The suit also has YKK zippers for seamless movement in all directions. The 2-way zipper makes changing diapers child's play (pun intended). Lastly, the suit features built-in fold-over mittens. At least you don't have to fret over losing them. 37 Defu Lane 10, Defu Industrial Estate, #03-67, Singapore 539214 +65 8933 7845 Mon to Fri: 10am – 6pm Sat: 10am – 1pm Closed on Sun Facebook | Instagram | At Little Bearnie, they pride themselves on giving your little ones the be(ar)st experience. From baby teethers to feeding tools, you are bound to find something that suits your needs. Surprise your little one with this Abundance of Love Mini Suitcase Gift Set (S$168), which is filled with delightful items and personalised with your baby's name on the Mini Suitcase gift box. Clothing items included are Little Bearnie's Bandana Drool Bibs, recommended for little ones up to 2 years. The front of the bibs is made from 100 percent soft absorbent cotton, the back is made from polyester, and it has 2 adjustable nickel-free easy snap buttons. The bibs are machine-washable. If your little one feels cold at night, wrap them in the Swaddle or Blanket. Manufactured from 70 percent bamboo and 30 percent eco-friendly cotton, the fabric is washable by machine. The Little Bearnie Baby Shoes, which are available in 2 sizes, are handcrafted from cotton and natural foam. Food designs are printed on the shoes' canvas linen fabric with certified Oeko-Tex 100 textile ink. The outer sole of the shoes is made of anti-slip rubber-based suede and there is a stretchable elastic band around the ankle to maximise comfort when your toddler wears them. The perfect bundle for your growing baby, their CHEW & EAT Premium Feeding Gift Set (S$70) has everything that your toddler requires for mealtime and teething. The 3-in-1 set comes with a baby teething clip set, an adjustable silicone bib with a pocket and 1 portable dish set with a highback bowl and utensils. Their baby feeding bowl set makes a great baby shower or first birthday gift and comes with a gift box and a blank card for effortless gifting. Geylang East Avenue 3, Block 1016, #03-171, Singapore 389731 +65 8728 8788 Mon to Thu: 12pm – 7pm (By Appointment Only) Friday: 12pm – 5pm (By Appointment Only) Sat: 3pm – 6pm (By Appointment Only) Closed on Sun Facebook | Instagram | Website Retykle was founded by Sarah Garner, who wanted to come up with an efficient and effective way to recirculate children's fashion. Hence, their baby clothes are pre-used. If you are looking for a sweater, elevate your toddler's wardrobe with the gently used Polo Ralph Lauren Button-Up Cardigan (S$60), made from Cotton and Polyamide/Nylon. It comes in a soft pink hue with polka dots while ensuring style and comfort for 5-year-olds. Are you looking for a onesie that is ideal for a sleepover? Purchase their well-loved Jojo Maman Bébé Whale Embroidered Onesie 3-6M (S$16). Keep your baby cosy in this cute whale-patterned Jojo Maman Bébé onesie, designed for 3-6 months of wear. Its soft, preloved fabric ensures comfort for your little one while minimising environmental impact. 8 Jalan Kilang Timor, Kewalram House, #03-07, Singapore 159305 +65 6970 0607 Mon to Fri: 9.30am – 6pm Closed on Sat & Sun Facebook | Instagram | Website Deck your little ones in these very Singaporean, customisable gem biscuit rompers Simply Life is Southeast Asia's leading bamboo baby and children-wear brand. They ply only the softest, most comfortable and the highest-quality baby clothes that you can find. If you are looking for a pyjama set, you can't go wrong with their Vintage Forest Silver – Long Sleeve Bamboo Pyjamas Set (S$39.95). It contains a unique anti-bacterial bio-agent known as 'Bamboo Kun', which eradicates bacteria and keeps your attire smelling fresh for longer. It also absorbs water 4 times better than even the finest organic cotton. Alternatively, before you go to bed, be sure to tuck your little one in the comfort of their Turquoise Stripes & Plain – Long-Sleeved Button Sleepsuit (Foldable Mittens & Footies) (S$77.90). It is now available in an accessible pack of 2. Made from naturally hypoallergenic bamboo, it will help care for your toddler's sensitive skin and not irritate it. 8 Ubi Road 2, Zervex, #05-32, Singapore 408538 +65 6741 9189 / +65 9233 8505 Mon to Fri: 9am – 5pm Closed on Sat & Sun Facebook | Instagram | Website The Elly Store is a local clothing store and label that offers baby clothes, shoes, toys, and accessories for children up to 14 years old, with an emphasis on comfort, quality, and style. If you are looking for a cheongsam to dress your little girl in for Chinese New Year, go with the Flare Tulle Cheongsam – Coral Flutter Spring (S$64.90). It is manufactured from premium cotton with 3 layers of tulle, lightweight silk, and soft cotton lining to maximise comfort. This pretty pastel cheongsam is ideal for Chinese New Year when visiting relatives. If you are looking to get swimwear for your little boy, it won't take long for you to get their Long-Sleeve Rash Guard (S$52.90). It has printed sleeves featuring sea creatures and a plain navy bodice. Specially manufactured by the label as a summer must-have, Shorts (S$49.90) are sold separately. Their swimsuits are all UPF50+ to shield you from the sun. 501 Bukit Timah Road, Cluny Court, #02-31/33, Singapore 259760 +65 9628 0338 Mon to Sat: 10am – 7pm Sun: 10am – 6pm | | With over 5 decades of experience in selling baby items, Mothercare is a leading baby retailer. Their wealth of knowledge spans everything from strollers to maternity clothes. If you are looking for a baby romper, a one-piece garment that combines a top with shorts, often worn for casual settings, go with their Mothercare Wrap Romper (S$33.90). With no waistband to irritate little tummies, this short romper is made from naturally-breathable cotton. It's gentle on the skin with popper fastenings for easy dressing and nappy changes. If you are looking for feminine shoes for your little girl, get their Baby Girl Pink Ballerina Baby Shoes (S$23.90). The pastel pink shoes add the prettiest finishing touch to outfits. Fabric soles enable little feet to bend and flex, while elastic bands keep them secure. Their shoes feature cotton soles that have slip-resistant stickers to keep every small step steady. For a full list of locations and opening hours, refer . +65 9145 0173 / +65 9145 0172 (WhatsApp) Facebook | Instagram | Website Little Kooma is a trusted baby product brand in Singapore. It carries comfortable, stylish, affordable baby clothes and other baby-related products. They hope that the products they handpick will meet your needs as a parent, who like them, only want the best for their kids. Is your little one an ardent fan of Elsa from the movie Frozen? If your baby doesn't mind you dressing him or her up as a snowman for Christmas, go with the Kids Christmas Outfit Snowman Costume (S$19.49). The 3-piece attire is made up of 100 percent polyester. It is ideal for holiday parties, Christmas plays and pageants, or snowman fun. If your baby girl needs potty training, get the Baby Kid Girls Cotton Briefs Underwear Mushroom Bunny 2 Pack (S$2.90). The pack of briefs have varied patterns, with each featuring an elastic waistband and cute prints. Made from cotton, it is soft and breathable. 514 Chai Chee Lane, #04-06, Singapore 469029 +65 9880 1560 Closed on Sat & Sun Facebook | Instagram | Website Baby Butter sells a delightful range of baby-related items. These include customised rompers, name labels, and bespoke toys. Enjoy free shipping on orders over S$50. Are you a fan of custom-made baby clothes? If so, you must get their 100 Percent Soft Cotton Baby Sweaters with Name/Icon Embroidery (S$28). Pick from 3 colours (Black, White and Ash Grey) and sizes. Then, let them know what name you would like to input. They will put it in a canvas bag and wrap it using ribbon, making it ideal as a gift. If your baby is too young to wear a sweater, their Itzy Ritzy's Cutie Cocoon (S$12) will have your newborn looking picture-perfect. Made from soft material that gently hugs your baby, the cocoon provides warmth while the hat serves as the perfect newborn accessory. 62 Ubi Road 1, 2 Oxley Bizhub, #06-02, Singapore 408734 +65 9880 1560 Mon to Fri: 10am – 6.30pm Closed on Sat & Sun Facebook | Instagram | Website Le Petit Society is a one-stop shop for premium natural newborn essentials and clothing. Cherry-ish the little things with our Luxe Bamboo Short Sleeves Sleepsuit in Cherry Print (S$48). The soft, breathable bamboo fabric ensures your little one stays snug and content, while the charming cherry print brings a sense of playfulness to their wardrobe. Dress your little ones in festive magic this season with the Baby Bamboo Sleepsuit in Ski Bear Print (S$38.40). It features playful bears skiing in the snow. Made from Luxe Bamboo fabric, the sleepsuit is certified by OEKO-TEX, one of the most well-known labels that recognises textiles free of chemicals. This ensures that it is safe for your baby's skin. For a full list of locations and opening hours, refer . For contact information, refer here. Facebook | Instagram | Website *This post contains branded content. 12 best thrift shops in Singapore to stretch every dollar The post 11 best baby shops in Singapore to pamper your little bundle of joy appeared first on
