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Banana Princess

A Japanese City’s “Banana Princess” Returns

A popular city mascot resumes her vaunted role. Learn about Japan's history of "discount banana hawking", and how it gave birth to Princess Banana, the tourist symbol of Kitakyushu City.
Maniac

How Netflix’s MANIAC Makes (Some) Strides Melding Cultures

Netflix's MANIAC, directed by Japanese-American auteur Cary Joji Fukunaga, melds Japanese and American cultures convincingly. But in other ways, the series still shows how far Hollywood has to go.
Woman holding money

A Tansu Full of Dollars: Why Japan Has Such a Hardcore Savings Culture

Why does Japan save more money on average than the rest of the world?
Respect for the Aged Day in Japan

Respect for the Aged Day: Its Origins and Celebration in Japan

What is Respect for the Aged Day? An overview of Japan's national holiday, including its origins and related cultural myths.

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