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Two onnagata kabuki actors in elaborate matching make-up and costume look towards each other on the poster for the film Kokuho.

‘Kokuho’ Becomes Biggest Live Action Hit in Japanese Film History

Japan has a brand-new top live-action box office record holder in the form of Kokuho, an epic kabuki drama.
Picture of soba on a bamboo plate with an Irasutoya man in front of it crossing his arms and saying "no"

No Tourists at Lunch? Japanese Soba Store Sparks Controversy with Sign

The chain's owners ultimately ordered the store to take the sign down. Here's why many Japanese netizens defended it.
Chinese and Japanese flags against a wooden background

[Insider] China Warns Citizens to Avoid Japan. Here’s How Both Countries Are Reacting

Why is China using tourism to Japan as a political cudgel? And how are ordinary Chinese citizens reacting to it?
Lawson Store 100 sign with nikutare rice off to the side

Is Japan Poor? Combini’s New “Rice and Sauce” Dish Sparks Social Media Debate

Is Lawson Store 100's new dish a sign of Japan's dire economic straits? Or is it just responding to consumer demand?
Kamikōchi as seen from Kappabashi Bridge

Japan Tourism Sees Busiest October Ever as Municipalities Strategize on Overtourism

As inbound tourists are poised to cross the 40 million mark a year, locations such as Nagano's Kamikōchi wage war against bad manners.
Application for residency in Japan, along with a pie chart showing the visas awarded by category

A Changing Japan: Foreign Residents Surpass 10% in Some Areas

As debate surges around immigration, new data shows some towns in Japan have foreign populations as high as 36%.

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