- Unseen Japan

Japan’s Pioneering Women Doctors: Ogino Ginko and Kusumoto Ine

Who was Japan's first female doctor of Western medicine? Both Ogino Ginko - Japan's first licensed female doctor - and Kusumoto Ine - its first practicing female doctor - can validly lay claim to that title.

Tokyo Residents Sue Over Daycare Kids Being Noisy

A judge has thrown out a lawsuit against a daycare brought by residents of Nerima who claimed the kids' noisiness violated their rights.

Women Make Big Strides in Japan’s Lower House Election

Women in Japan took a huge step forward in political representation in the October 2024 election, setting a new record for members in the country's House of Representatives. But there's still a lot of progress to be made.

Japan to Crack Down on Drunk & Distracted Bicyclists

Neglectful and law-breaking bicyclists have terrorized Japan's streets for years. A new law taking effect in November aims to crack down on some of the most dangerous behavior.

“Dark Part-Time Job” Crime Wave Grips Japan’s Kanto Region

Yami baito - dark part-time jobs - are surging in Japan, with police investigating 14 cases in the Kanto region alone. Learn why criminals are increasingly relying on social media - and why so many of Japan's youth are willing to take these risky gigs.

Iboshi Hokuto: The Legacy of the Ainu Poet-Activist

Spurred by colonialist propaganda that called his people "a dying race," Iboshi Hokuto spent his short life in service to his belief that "only the Ainu could save the Ainu."

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