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Toyoko Area, Kabukicho

Japanese Man Arrested for Sexual Enslavement of Toyoko Minor

The man allegedly forced her to do papa-katsu (sugar-babying), arranging meetings with men and keeping most of the money.
The Kabukicho Ichibangai Arch in Shinjuku superimposed over the old Yotsuya Okido gate from the samurai era.

Shinjuku: The History and Origins of the World’s Biggest Nightlife District

The world's largest nightlife district, Shinjuku is nearly synonymous with Tokyo itself - yet wasn't even part of old Tokyo. Where do Shinjuku's origins lay?
Sad unhappy thoughtful serious young woman sitting in armchair at home

Navigating Life in Japan: The Hidden Mental Health Struggles of Foreign Residents

Navigating the unfamiliar landscape of Japan can take a toll on your mental health. Here's how to get help when you need it.
Three superimposed versions of Kitano Takeshi in different colors fire a machine gun, with an Okinawan beach in the background.

Kitano Takeshi: The Complete Ranked Filmography – Part: End

Coming to the end of our full ranking of his 20 movies, these are the six best films by director Kitano "Beat" Takeshi.
Kitano Takeshi crouches in a suit, with his fingers pointing downwards with two fingers revealed in a baseball single. He's superimposed over a bed of birds of paradise flowers.

Kitano Takeshi: The Complete Ranked Filmography – Part 2

We continue with our retrospective ranking of all of the films of Kitano Takeshi - perhaps the most famous entertainer in Japan, and an underground film legend in much of the world.
Images of actor-director Takeshi Kitano from various of his movies superimposed against each other.

Kitano Takeshi: The Complete Ranked Filmography (Part 1)

Kitano Takeshi, otherwise known as "Beat" Takeshi, is one of the most famous entertainers in Japan. He's also beloved abroad as a film director. Join us as we examine and rank every one of his 20 movies.
Smoke emerges from the flank of an erupting Mt. Fuji. Artist's depiction of historical event.

The Last Time Mt. Fuji Erupted… And What Might Happen Next

What happened the last time the famed Mt. Fuji erupted? Learn about the Hoei Eruption, and the great crisis it caused during the Edo era.
Small red torii gates lead into a Japanese restaurant in Jakarta's Little Tokyo, with woman in Indonesian tudong hair wrap walking in front.

A Small Look Into Jakarta’s Little Tokyo

Nestled amongst the busy streets of Indonesia's capital of Jakarta is an intriguing bit of Japan. Welcome to Blok M, Jakarta's Little Tokyo.
Kid with a randoseru style Japanese backpack sitting in a field with his back to the camera and looking very depressed

Why Is School Refusal On The Rise in Japan?

More kids in Japan than ever are refusing to go school, even as instances of bullying are falling. What's keeping them home?