Culture
Japan Doesn’t Trust JR East’s Suica Mascot Vote. Blame the Takanawa Gateway Affair
JR East is letting riders vote on its new mascot. But some expressed skepticism that their opinion would be taken seriously.
Articles by Himari Semans
131 articles
Culture
Society
Why Renting a House With Friends Is So Hard in Japan
Japan's economy is forcing more young people to consider sharing living expenses. But many are finding that's easier said than done.
Travel
Shinjuku Moves to Ban Airbnb-Style Rentals Where People Actually Live
The move by the city that hosts 9% of the country's vacation rentals is part of a wave of restrictions sweeping the…
Society
35% of Unmarried Young Japanese Don’t Intend to Marry, Says New Government Survey
As Japan works to combat population decline, a new government report says many unmarried young people intend to stay that way.
Insider
25 Years Later, School in Japan Fires Teacher for Sex with Student
A former student said her teacher had sex with her in high school. The school fired him - but many online aren't…
Society
Why Can You Still Not Buy Vapes in Japan?
Why can't vapes be sold in a country that still loves smoking? A look into the complex legal framework that keeps them…
Women
The K-Pop Fashion Trend Protecting Japanese Women from Upskirt Photography
Japan's latest festival wear isn't just cool and comfortable: some women say it's the perfect protection from perverts.
Business and Economy
Japan’s Rice Crisis is Over, But Consumers and Farmers Aren’t Feeling It
Remember when rice disappeared from Japan’s store shelves in 2024? The Reiwa Rice Crisis is over, but neither farmers nor consumers are…