- Unseen Japan

Japanese Resellers Are Turning Old Nintendo Employee Manuals Into Yen

You can make a profit selling anything on the Internet, it seems. In the latest trend, some resellers on Japanese sites like Mercari are making beer money selling old pamphlets meant for new Nintendo employees - some dating back over a decade.

Civic Group Protests Event Alleging Hate Speech Against the Ainu

A supposed "Ainu History Learning Association" has been holding "learning sessions" that promote disinformation about the indigenous group. Last month, a local activist group showed up to protest the propaganda.

Japan City to Give Kids Free Lunches by Taking Money from 100-Year-Olds

A city in Gifu Prefecture wants to give middle schoolers free lunches. However, it's sparked a debate by saying it'll fund the project by ending a 100K yen prize it gives to people who manage to live to age 100.

Report: Japanese Female Company Presidents Set Record, Still Under 10%

Good news! There are more female company presidents in Japan than ever before. The bad news? That number is still pathetically low - a mere 8.4%, according to a new report.

Tottori Station Will (Finally!) Get Automated Ticket Gates in 2025

It's a common trope that "Japan is living in the future." But did you know the country still has some train stations where you need a physical ticket? Next year, JR West will (finally) install IC card gates at Tottori Station, the last station it runs that still collects paper passes.

Hotel District in Osaka Paints Street Yellow to Deter Prostitution

Street prostitution is on the rise in most major cities in Japan. Police and city leaders in Osaka had a unique idea for deterring the practice in the Umeda hotel district: paint the road a gaudy yellow. At least for now, they say, that plan seems to be working.

Day: