Japanese Language
Why This Japanese Phrase from Kansai Sounds Strange to the Rest of Japan
It's a phrase that confuses Tokyoites. But to many in the Kansai region, it's a daily expression rooted in the region's unique…
Articles by Jay Allen
1,173 articles · Page 8
Japanese Language
Entertainment
Galapagos Rock: Why It’s So Hard for Foreign J-Pop Fans to Buy Concert Tickets in Japan
Some overseas fans of Japanese music say the hassle is proof that "Japan hates foreigners." The truth is more complicated.
Advertorial
The Ultimate Okinawa Travel Guide: Japan’s Tropical Paradise
Beyond the neon glow of Tokyo and the manicured temples of Kyoto lies a version of Japan that feels entirely separate from…
Insider
“Utility Pole Girls”: Japanese Media Has a Demeaning New Buzzword for Women
A survey of 3,000 women found 58% identified with the phenomenon. But it's the label that has people riled up.
Food
Nekomanma: The “Ill-Mannered” Japanese Food That Used to be a Commonfolk Staple
Is pouring miso soup onto rice bad manners? It is in modern Japan. But this "cat food" was a commoner staple for…
Japanese Language
Why Are More Japanese Girls Calling Themselves “Boku”?
How do you refer to yourself in Japanese? For most women, it’s some variant of "watashi." But for many young girls, the…
Business and Economy
Calbee Strips Color From Its Potato Chip Bags as Iran Crisis Reaches Japan’s Snack Aisles
Starting May 25, Calbee will ship 14 of its flagship snacks, including Potato Chips and Kappa Ebisen, in austere black-and-white bags. The…
LGBTQ
Osaka High Court: Japan’s Family Registry Discriminates Against Non-Binary People
An Osaka High Court ruling found that Japan's gender-binary family register violates Article 14 of the Japanese Constitution. But it dismissed the…