Marin Akasaka

Travel

Osaka Ramen Shop Threatens to Ban Chinese Customers After Two-Tier Pricing Dispute

Social media users in Japan have accused the store of discrimination and of "embarrassing" Japan with its blatant double pricing.

Entertainment

How an AI Manga Became a Bestseller on Japan’s Largest e-Book Store

How did a fully AI-generated manga hit number one in Japan? And what does its success portend for the future of the…

Environment

Tokyo’s Plan to Charge for Garbage Service Has Some Residents Howling

Garbage fees have successfully reduced waste in West Tokyo. Here's why some residents are up in arms over the proposal.

Society

Why Foreign Workers Have Become Essential to Japan’s Elderly Care System

With a dwindling workforce, Japan is increasingly dependent on foreign workers to care for its rapidly aging population.

Law & Crime

Couple Die in Tokyo Sauna Fire After Door Breaks, Emergency System Left Off

Japanese social media users were aghast at reports of the deaths, which raised serious questions about how the facility managed safety.

Society

80% of Japan’s Singles are Exhausted From Seeking Marriage, Survey Shows

As Japan's population continues to decline, many singles say the pressure to get hitched is taking a toll.

Culture

What’s Japan Doing for Christmas? Here’s Why Many Say…Nothing

It's beginning to look a lot less like Christmas in Japan. Here's why many say this year they'll be tuning out of…

Business and Economy

Kanagawa Prefecture Considers Four-Day Workweek for All Government Staff

The prefecture is the latest in a string of local governments and private companies in Japan experimenting with flexible schedules.