Sam Harnett

Sam Harnett has written 3 posts for PRI's The World
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Japan’s Pachinko Addiction

By ⋅ January 15, 2013 ⋅ 3 comments

Pachinko, a Japanese game that resembles a cross between pinball and a slot machine, is huge business. The pachinko industry generates hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue each year. Sam Harnett reports on how the industry’s success depends on straddling the line between gaming and gambling.

Popularity of Western-Style Weddings in Japan Creates Demand for White Officiants

By ⋅ December 26, 2012 ⋅ Post a comment

Western-style weddings are so popular in Japan that wedding companies can’t find enough ministers to fill the demand. So they hire anyone who fits the profile.

New Zealand Fights Bio-Invaders

By ⋅ June 4, 2012 ⋅ One comment

The isolated island country of New Zealand is ratcheting up its fight against an invasion of unwanted species that’s destroying crops and native animals.