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Okinawa Tourist Drownings Already Double Last Year’s Pace
April 29, 2026
The number of accidents parallels similar incidents across Japan as travelers take unnecessary risks and expose themselves to danger.
Uber’s First Japan Taxi Partnership Will Give (Only) Tourists More Options
April 28, 2026
If you use Uber in Japan, you may find it easier to hail a ride soon, thanks to a new partnership with a major taxi app.
More Than Matcha: A Guide to Uji, a Kyoto Travel Gem
April 27, 2026
Discover temples, tea culture, and hidden history just outside Kyoto.
Exploring Naoshima: The Stunning Art Islands of Seto Inland Sea
April 22, 2026
The islands used to be known for copper production. These days, they’re one of the most-discussed art destinations worldwide.
ADHD Medication Shortage in Japan Leaves Patients Scrambling
April 29, 2026
It’s especially bad news for users who live outside of major cities, where the medication can be harder to obtain.
Reclaiming the Land: 15 Years Later, Fukushima’s Massive Cleanup Continues
March 10, 2026
Japan says it’s dedicated to decontaminating the land spoiled by the Fukushima nuclear accident. But most residents still haven’t returned.
Why Japan Hates the New “Bachelor Tax” Aimed at Reversing Population Decline
January 6, 2026
The new levy is intended to secure the country’s future – but some are calling for the agency that instituted it to be dissolved.
Why Foreign Workers Have Become Essential to Japan’s Elderly Care System
January 1, 2026
With a dwindling workforce, Japan is increasingly dependent on foreign workers to care for its rapidly aging population.
Japan’s New Visa Rules Are Forcing Tokyo’s Immigrant-Run Restaurants to Close
April 30, 2026
The new capital requirement for the business manager visa is too high a hurdle for many legitimate, profitable, and law-abiding businesses.
Yep or NOPE? Suntory’s New Dr Pepper-Like Soda Confuses Japanese Consumers
April 3, 2026
Suntory’s new drink NOPE promises lots of flavor. Just WHAT that flavor is, however, has sparked a raging debate in Japan.
This Ramen Shop in Japan Demands You Stay Off Your Damn Phone
April 1, 2026
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
February 26, 2026
Nut allergies are overtaking both wheat and milk in Japan. Here’s how airlines are responding and how to stay safe on your trip.
Tokyo Court: Employer Had “No Duty” To Stop Sexual Harassment at After-Work Drinking Party
April 14, 2026
A lack of evidence and the quasi-official nature of nomikai led a court to rule against a company that tried to do the right thing.
For First Time, More Young Japanese Women Than Men Don’t Want Kids
March 29, 2026
The average age for wanting kids climbs as more young women in Japan worry about the impact child-rearing will have on their careers.
Stalking Incidents, Restraining Orders in Japan Set New Record
March 18, 2026
The ominous spike could be a sign that police in Japan are finally starting to take women’s allegations seriously.
Tokyo Court Denies Japanese Women’s Right to Sterilization Surgery
March 17, 2026
Five women in their 20s and 30s challenged a 1996 law that prevents them from controlling their own biology.
MEXT to Nothing: Japan Struggles to Help Foreign Residents Learning Japanese
April 9, 2026
Many foreign residents in Japan want to learn Japanese. But reports show a majority feel they’re not getting the support they need to succeed.
These Are the Hardest Japanese Place Names to Read – Even for Native Speakers
September 1, 2025
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
March 11, 2025
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
March 9, 2025
You may still hear these words or see them in print – but you won’t hear them come from the mouth of a young person.
Are Japanese Teens Leaving Manga Behind?
April 13, 2026
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$*!)
February 12, 2026
Planck Stars isn’t a group to shy away from controversy. Indeed, it seems to be reveling in its latest affront to Japanese society.
Why a 20-Year-Old Japanese Racing Idol Went Searching For a 50-Year-Old Fan
February 12, 2026
It’s common for fans to become obsessed with their idols. But what happens when an idol is worried about one of her fans?
How an AI Manga Became a Bestseller on Japan’s Largest e-Book Store
January 8, 2026
How did a fully AI-generated manga hit number one in Japan? And what does its success portend for the future of the industry?
Sapporo Lets “Ainu Aren’t Indigenous” Panel Exhibit Run – Again – Despite Opposition
April 23, 2026
The city of Sapporo cleared a display that denies the legal status of the Ainu – and that appears to violate anti-discrimination laws.
Tokugawa Ieyasu: Japan’s Most Cutthroat Health Nut?
March 5, 2026
Japan’s most ruthless and efficient ruler believed a good diet was the key to success. Here’s how he kept his edge, according to historians.
Hanafuda: How a Banned Card Game Defined the Pre-Pokémon Era
February 19, 2026
Before Mario, Nintendo sold hanafuda cards to the yakuza. Read the 400-year forbidden history of the flower cards that tricked the Shogun.
Shinjuku: The Birth of Kabukicho
January 12, 2026
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
February 1, 2026
The parade in Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, shows how Japan’s LGBTQ+ citizens are committed to raising awareness in smaller cities and towns.
LGBTQ People, Advocates Ask Japan’s Politicians to Legalize Marriage Equality Swiftly
December 17, 2025
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
November 30, 2025
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
September 16, 2025
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
March 31, 2026
Why many Japanese social media users are decrying the long detention of actress Sakaguchi Anri as excessive and unwarranted.
Tokyo Pokémon Center Murder Highlights Gaps in Japan’s Stalking Law
March 30, 2026
Critics say that police and prosecutors could have done more to monitor the murderer after he was released from jail after paying a fine.
More Young Students in Japan Turn to Marijuana, Shoplifting
February 26, 2026
The kids in Japan aren’t alright: new stats show an increasing number are turning to illegal activity in the tough-on-crime country.
Japanese Cosplayer on Trial for Mutilating Partner
February 23, 2026
A Japanese cosplayer appeared in court wearing panda pajamas as she reversed her not-guilty plea on charges of mutilating her boyfriend.
Kanagawa Prefecture Considers Four-Day Workweek for All Government Staff
December 10, 2025
The prefecture is the latest in a string of local governments and private companies in Japan experimenting with flexible schedules.
Is Japan Poor? Combini’s New “Rice and Sauce” Dish Sparks Social Media Debate
November 22, 2025
Is Lawson Store 100’s new dish a sign of Japan’s dire economic straits? Or is it just responding to consumer demand?
Double-Edged Harmony: What “Hōrensō” Reveals About Japanese Work Culture
November 5, 2025
Japan’s famous “hōrensō” work mantra promises harmony and trust. Its roots reveal a system that also silences and protects power.
Japan Shopping Giant Mercari Eyes the Global Market With New App
October 10, 2025
Japan’s most popular online marketplace is only available in a handful of other countries. That’s all about to change.