Travel
“Insta-Pests”: Why A Kyoto Temple Reportedly Banned Kimono-Clad Visitors
The temple's crackdown on visitors wearing flashy clothing isn't aimed just at tourists, but at influencers in general.
Articles by Jay Allen
1,151 articles
Travel
Sex & Nightlife
Why Japanese Nightlife’s “Attention Economy” Is Better Than Sex
Why do people in Japan pay so much for non-sexual companionship? A look at how an industry born in the Edo Era…
Insider
[Insider] The Yani Neko Mirror: Why Japan Won’t Look at Poverty
A new anime tells a complex story of addiction and discrimination. It also sheds a light on a problem many in Japan…
Travel
MUJI Opens “Anti-Tourism” Hotel in Busiest Tourist Location in Kyoto
MUJI's latest BASE hotel pitches itself as "anti-tourism." So why is it in one of the most heavily touristed parts of Japan?
Insider
[Insider] Fuji TV Fails Again in Japan Sexual Harassment Scandal
Fuji TV is once again dealing with a public relations crisis. And, once again, it's showing how unequipped it is to handle…
Sex & Nightlife
Is Kabukicho Safe? How to Navigate Tokyo’s Raucous Nightlife District
The answer is yes - but you should be aware of a few rules and these common traps before stepping foot inside…
Sex & Nightlife
Japan Tried to End the Host Club to Sex Work Pipeline. It Hasn’t Worked
It's been a year since the crackdown, but data show that host clubs haven't changed. If anything, some say they've become "more…
Travel
Japan’s Capsule Hotels: Why They May Be a Better Option Than You Think
Japan's capsule hotels are notorious for packing as many people into as small a space as possible. One type of capsule hotel,…