Living in Japan
“Katakana Hell”: The Culture Shocks Japan’s Asian Immigrants Actually Face
What surprises Asian immigrants in Japan? From corporate jargon to the country's famously indirect "no," there's a lot to navigate.
Articles by K. Lou
51 articles
Living in Japan
Women
Japanese Woman Scolded for Taking Menstrual Leave That’s Protected by Law
Why do fewer than 1% of Japanese women use legally protected menstrual leave? One viral complaint has reignited the national debate.
Society
Osaka Station’s “Exclusion Art”: Hostile Architecture Comes to Kansai
Why did 150 concrete blocks outside JR Osaka Station spark outrage? We explore the divide in Japan's "exclusion art" debate.
Women
In Japan, Sanitary Pads Are Getting Pricier. In Korea, They’re Going Free
A viral post blamed Japan's first female prime minister for higher pad costs, highlighting a highly controversial political topic.
Travel
Japan Moves to Curb Tourist Rental-Car Crashes as Right-Turn Accidents Soar
Japan is rolling out low-tech road fixes near major airports as the number of foreigner-driven rental car traffic accidents goes up.
Food
Yakitori in Tokyo: From Cheap Skewers to High-End Grills
All you need to know and more about yakitori: its history, nose-to-tail cooking, and popular chains vs. Tokyo's luxury omakase grills.
Women
Working Mothers Now Exceed 81% of Japanese Households With Kids, a Record
Working mothers have hit their highest record ever in Japan. But that's not necessarily a sign of growing equality.
Food
Celebrity Japanese Chef Says “Nagoya Has No Good Restaurants” – and the City Erupts
A remark from influencer chef Ryuji ignited a firestorm in Nagoya, but there's a lot more than meets the eye to Nagoya's…