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JessicaGordon

Cherry blossoms at Yoyogi Park

Patriarchy Strikes Again: Women Wait Forever for Toilets at Cherry Blossom Viewing

Some women said they waited 40 minutes to get access to facilities at Yoyogi Park during this year's hanami festivities.
Bidet-style toilet on left, squat toilet on right

Survey: 1 in 4 Japanese Kids Can’t Use a Japanese-Style Squat Toilet

The times they are a-changin', with 26.7% of elementary school kids saying they can't use the old-style devices.
Susukino in Sapporo

Beware The Illegal Barkers in Sapporo’s Susukino District

Sapporo passed a new law against coaxing customers into questionable businesses in 2022. But in 2024, it didn't issue a single fine.
Hyogo Prefectural Police Department

Hyogo Police Compelled 12-Year-Old Girl to Confess to False Report

The incident puts a spotlight on how police interrogation tactics play a role in Japan's lauded 99.9% conviction rate.
Yakuza style guys, both in suits and glasses and one with a purple shirt

The Great Yakuza War is Over! (Maybe)

The conflict has cost over 90 lives in blood-soaked scenes that wouldn’t have been out of place in a Takashi Miike film.
Picture of rice being poured out of a wooden box

Japanese Consumers Groan As Rice Prices Just Keep Climbing

Some experts say a third release from the country's reserves might not have any effect and that prices will remain high until autumn.