Culture

Japanese People Dip Out of Year-End Work Parties

It seems companies in Japan are more excited about holding end-of-year work parties than people are on attending them. One survey found 59.5% of companies plan to hold such parties. But in another survey, 65.9% of employees say they have no plans to show up.

In Japan, Oshidan Let Fans Idolize Their Idols

Do you have an idol you worship? Buy an oshidan and take your worship even further. Learn what oshidan are for and why a struggling Japanese company specializing in Buddhist death altars decided it had to appeal to a new generation.

Resellers Turn Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Exhibit into Chaos

A new exhibit honoring Hello Kitty on her 50th anniversary devolved into chaos in Tokyo thanks to resellers looking to make a fast buck. Learn what happened and how the Tokyo National Museum is working to tame unruly crowds.

First-Ever Lawsuit Challenges Harassment in Japan’s Rakugo World

Is it education - or workplace harassment? In the first ever lawsuit of its kind, an apprentice rakugo performer has successfully sued his mentor over verbal and physical assault.

Matchmaking Party Promoted by Tokyo Rejects Disabled Man

A matchmaking party advertised by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government rejected a man with a mild disability because he wasn't "healthy." Is Tokyo's zeal for promoting marriage coming at the cost of equality?

The Scary Reasons Purikura Booths In Japan Ban Men

Purikura photo booths remain popular in Japan. But if you're an unaccompanied male, odds are you won't be allowed near one. The policy's designed to protect women - but some men say it's discriminatory.

Will Ghost of Yōtei Tackle the History of Ainu Discrimination?

Ghost of Yotei, a standalone sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, is due for release next year. Will this game created to explore "the beauty of feudal Japan" address the active discrimination against Japan's Ainu people?

As Summers Heat Up, Smelly Customers Challenge Japan’s “Omotenashi”

A user at one game center in Japan reeked so badly that customers complained, and employees said they "wanted to vomit." As Japan's summers heat up, businesses wrestle with how to tell their customers that they need to shower more.

Morioka’s Sansa Odori Festival Dances the Demon Away

It's a must see event if you'll be in Japan in August. Learn about the history and tradition behind the Morioka Sansa Odori Festival.

Culture

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