.svg.webp){kind=icon}
INSIDER
[Insider] The Worst Person You Know Has a Point About Japan’s AV Law
Few prominent figures or politicians in Japan are willing to talk about the negative impact the law has…
INSIDER
TRAVEL
Scenic Train Journeys in Japan That You Can’t Miss
Sometimes, it really is more about the journey than the destination. Here are some romantic train rides in…
SOCIETY
Japan’s New Visa Rules Are Forcing Tokyo’s Immigrant-Run Restaurants to Close
The new capital requirement for the business manager visa is too high a hurdle for many legitimate, profitable,…
TRAVEL
Okinawa Tourist Drownings Already Double Last Year’s Pace
The number of accidents parallels similar incidents across Japan as travelers take unnecessary risks and expose themselves to…
[Insider] The Worst Person You Know Has a Point About Japan’s AV Law
Few prominent figures or politicians in Japan are willing to talk about the negative impact the law has…
[Insider] A Famous Japanese Novelist Dumps Her Publisher After Discriminatory Column
Yuzuki Asako's former publisher has a history of running inflammatory columns. The latest was the last straw for…
[Insider] Japan’s Polls on an Empress Miss an Important Distinction
Princess Aiko is very popular. Many wouldn't mind her becoming Empress. But critics say the polls are misleading.…
[Insider] Shibuya, Burning: How Japan’s Right Exploits the Information Void to Foster Hate
A Japanese nationalist started a fire in Shibuya Crossing and then fled the scene. Japan's right wing blamed…
[Insider] Japan Is Sick to Death of Bicyclists Behaving Badly
Japanese police are doling out fines to misbehaving cyclists. Many on Japanese social media say it’s about damn…
[Insider] How I Found Myself Locked in a Love Hotel
Many love hotels don't like it when you leave before your stay is up. Indeed, some older ones…
[Insider] Why Japan Opposes Trump’s Iran War
As Japan struggles with rising prices at home, the public reigsters its displeasure with what's happening in the…
[Insider] Japan’s First Female PM Doesn’t Want an Empress
Takaichi Sanae has signaled she opposes changing the law to allow for an empress to rise again. And…
Japan, seen.
Personalized tours with knowledgeable, English-speaking guides who'll take you where most travelers can't go.
Get a quote today → Scenic Train Journeys in Japan That You Can’t Miss
Sometimes, it really is more about the journey than the destination. Here are some romantic train rides in…
Okinawa Tourist Drownings Already Double Last Year’s Pace
The number of accidents parallels similar incidents across Japan as travelers take unnecessary risks and expose themselves to…
Uber’s First Japan Taxi Partnership Will Give (Only) Tourists More Options
If you use Uber in Japan, you may find it easier to hail a ride soon, thanks to…
More Than Matcha: A Guide to Uji, a Kyoto Travel Gem
Discover temples, tea culture, and hidden history just outside Kyoto.
Japan’s New Visa Rules Are Forcing Tokyo’s Immigrant-Run Restaurants to Close
The new capital requirement for the business manager visa is too high a hurdle for many legitimate, profitable,…
ADHD Medication Shortage in Japan Leaves Patients Scrambling
It's especially bad news for users who live outside of major cities, where the medication can be harder…
Reclaiming the Land: 15 Years Later, Fukushima’s Massive Cleanup Continues
Japan says it's dedicated to decontaminating the land spoiled by the Fukushima nuclear accident. But most residents still…
Why Japan Hates the New “Bachelor Tax” Aimed at Reversing Population Decline
The new levy is intended to secure the country's future - but some are calling for the agency…
Yep or NOPE? Suntory’s New Dr Pepper-Like Soda Confuses Japanese Consumers
Suntory's new drink NOPE promises lots of flavor. Just WHAT that flavor is, however, has sparked a raging…
This Ramen Shop in Japan Demands You Stay Off Your Damn Phone
The shop in Saitama Prefecture said it instituted the policy after a customer watched an "inappropriate" video.
As Nut Allergies Soar in Japan, Airlines Grapple with a Response
Nut allergies are overtaking both wheat and milk in Japan. Here's how airlines are responding and how to…
250 Yen?! Super Cheap Ramen in Japan Draws Mixed Reactions
The cheap bowls are a relief to some trying to stretch their money in difficult times. To others,…
Tokyo Court: Employer Had “No Duty” To Stop Sexual Harassment at After-Work Drinking Party
A lack of evidence and the quasi-official nature of nomikai led a court to rule against a company…
For First Time, More Young Japanese Women Than Men Don’t Want Kids
The average age for wanting kids climbs as more young women in Japan worry about the impact child-rearing…
Stalking Incidents, Restraining Orders in Japan Set New Record
The ominous spike could be a sign that police in Japan are finally starting to take women's allegations…
Tokyo Court Denies Japanese Women’s Right to Sterilization Surgery
Five women in their 20s and 30s challenged a 1996 law that prevents them from controlling their own…
MEXT to Nothing: Japan Struggles to Help Foreign Residents Learning Japanese
Many foreign residents in Japan want to learn Japanese. But reports show a majority feel they're not getting…
These Are the Hardest Japanese Place Names to Read – Even for Native Speakers
Can you pronounce these difficult Japanese place names? If not, don't feel bad: most native speakers can't either!
Japan Prepares Official Hepburn Romanization Switch, Changing 70-Year Tradition
Japan will likely abandon its Kunrei-shiki romanization system that even most of its government doesn't use.
Giccho?! Here Are Some Dead Japanese Words That Only Old Folks Use
You may still hear these words or see them in print - but you won't hear them come…
Are Japanese Teens Leaving Manga Behind?
One prominent journalist argues the youth market is slipping away. Others say they've heard this false cry before.
Swimsuit Snow Performance Lands Japanese Idols in Hot Water (and They Don’t Give a F$*!)
Planck Stars isn't a group to shy away from controversy. Indeed, it seems to be reveling in its…
Why a 20-Year-Old Japanese Racing Idol Went Searching For a 50-Year-Old Fan
It's common for fans to become obsessed with their idols. But what happens when an idol is worried…
How an AI Manga Became a Bestseller on Japan’s Largest e-Book Store
How did a fully AI-generated manga hit number one in Japan? And what does its success portend for…
Sapporo Lets “Ainu Aren’t Indigenous” Panel Exhibit Run – Again – Despite Opposition
The city of Sapporo cleared a display that denies the legal status of the Ainu - and that…
Tokugawa Ieyasu: Japan’s Most Cutthroat Health Nut?
Japan's most ruthless and efficient ruler believed a good diet was the key to success. Here's how he…
Hanafuda: How a Banned Card Game Defined the Pre-Pokémon Era
Before Mario, Nintendo sold hanafuda cards to the yakuza. Read the 400-year forbidden history of the flower cards…
Shinjuku: The Birth of Kabukicho
How Kabukicho, Japan's biggest red light district, arose from the ashes of post-war Japan.
Small City, Big Pride: Japanese Prefecture Gets Its First Pride Parade
The parade in Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, shows how Japan's LGBTQ+ citizens are committed to raising awareness in smaller…
LGBTQ People, Advocates Ask Japan’s Politicians to Legalize Marriage Equality Swiftly
After a bitter court loss, LGBTQ people in Japan continue pressing politicians for fast action.
Surprise, Anger, and Frustration as Tokyo’s High Court Rules Against Marriage Equality
Supporters of marriage equality in Japan were met with an unexpected setback after a series of affirmative rulings.
Sanseitō Rep Likens Being Transgender to a “Contagious” Disease
Wada Keiko further stated she believed transgender people needed medical treatment instead of accommodation and understanding.
Japanese Celeb Held By Police for 10 Days Over Combini Sandwich Theft
Why many Japanese social media users are decrying the long detention of actress Sakaguchi Anri as excessive and…
Tokyo Pokémon Center Murder Highlights Gaps in Japan’s Stalking Law
Critics say that police and prosecutors could have done more to monitor the murderer after he was released…
More Young Students in Japan Turn to Marijuana, Shoplifting
The kids in Japan aren't alright: new stats show an increasing number are turning to illegal activity in…
Japanese Cosplayer on Trial for Mutilating Partner
A Japanese cosplayer appeared in court wearing panda pajamas as she reversed her not-guilty plea on charges of…