Society

Japan’s Cat Islands: Good for Tourists (But Bad for Cats)

Japan's cat islands may seem adorable, but the country's cat epidemic threatens human health. Writer Alyssa Pearl Fusek discusses Japan's belated response to its cat-astrophe.

Is Japan Really THAT Clean?

The stereotype holds that Japan is a meticulously clean country. Emma Ford looks at the difference between public and private behavior, and separates fact from fiction.

Religion in Japan: A Complex and Intricate Affair

Why, in a country littered with shrines and temples, does the majority of the population claim to practice no religion?

Japanese Business Experts Decry Japan’s “Customer is God” Mentality

Japan's customer service is world famous, but some Japanese commentators wonder whether the country has gone too far.

De-Population in Japan: No Easy Fixes?

The continued downward spiral of Japan’s population hasn't been helped by the slowdown in the Japanese economy. Emma Ford combines personal experience and stats to ask: Where does Japan go from here?