Emma Ford

Entertainment

What Makes Japanese Idol Culture Unique?

How did Japan become the birthplace of manufactured girl groups? A look into the historic roots of Japanese idol culture and how…

Society

Is Japan Really THAT Clean?

The stereotype holds that Japan is a meticulously clean country. Emma Ford looks at the difference between public and private behavior, and…

Culture

A Tansu Full of Dollars: Why Japan Has Such a Hardcore Savings Culture

Why does Japan save more money on average than the rest of the world?

Culture

Respect for the Aged Day: Its Origins and Celebration in Japan

What is Respect for the Aged Day? An overview of Japan's national holiday, including its origins and related cultural myths.

Entertainment

Remembering Sakura Momoko, The Creator of Chibi Maruko-chan

The life of the legendary cartoonist and essayist Sakura Momoko was one of juxtaposition between traditional and modern Japan. A look back…

Politics

Japan Agencies Caught Falsifying Disabled Employment Data

The Abe cabinet comes under scrutiny again following yet another scandal. Is the Japanese public losing confidence in their government?

Society

De-Population in Japan: No Easy Fixes?

The continued downward spiral of Japan’s population hasn't been helped by the slowdown in the Japanese economy. Emma Ford combines personal experience…

News

You Don’t Know Gunma! Series Pokes Fun at “The New Jersey of Japan”

A comic book about the quirks of "the prefecture that time forgot" received a movie version last year, and is now airing…