Culture

Japan’s Proposed New Bicycling Fines Anger Riders

Japan will institute tough new bicycling fines next year. But some cyclists say the country should concentrate on infrastructure instead.

Unseen Japan Rebranding to “Seen Japan”

The site will re-focus on soft-hitting content that dives softly into well-trodden subjects such as oh my god Becky did you know JAPAN HAS FOUR SEASONS?!

Why 3,000 People in Japan Claim the Imperial Palace Is Their Home

Japan's registered domicile law means that, when you get married, you can claim you hail from anywhere in the country. And many people do.

How This Tea Company Connects Small Japanese Producers With Drinkers Worldwide

Japan's traditional tea businesses are struggling. Here's how one business is helping by connecting them to a global tea-loving audience.

Dangerous – or Dated? Japan Debates Use of Smartphones Near Train Priority Seats

A recent social media post has sparked debate over a longstanding rule of smartphone use that has no basis in fact.

Here’s Why Kyoto Schools Are No Longer Bossing Students Around at Exam Time

Kyoto schools have made a change to hallroom announcements, acknowledging that "please" and "thank you" are indeed the magic words

Osaka City Bans Public Smoking, Joining Other Japanese Cities

If you got 'em, don't smoke 'em unless you're in one of Osaka City's designated smoking spots - or you'll pay a fine for lighting up.

Tokyo Disneyland Threatens to Banish Resellers From Their Property

Disneyland's parent company says it'll also change the way it sells limited edition goods in an effort to crack down on reselling.

The Three Cs: The Men Japan Says You Should Avoid Dating

Why do (some) Japanese women say you should never date a man who makes his own curry roux from scratch? These and the other 3Cs explained.

Culture

Before You Go...