Culture

Tokyo’s Kabukicho is Infested With Rats. No, We Mean, Literally.

There are rats in Kabukicho. (And no, we don't mean the ones in the host clubs.) Now people have taken to feeding the little guys - and it's driving officials crazy.

Shibuya Goes Hardcore in Its Crackdown on Halloween Fun

Shibuya announced this year that it was banning Halloween celebrations - and they've made it clear that they mean business.

Trash Cans Return To Kyoto With Compression Technology, Monitoring

You'd be hard-pressed to find a garbage can in a Japanese city these days. Thankfully, Kyoto is now experimenting with a new approach to trash.

Shibuya Says Don’t Come to Halloween This Year

Looking forward to celebrating Halloween in Shibuya this year? Well, don't be - the ward's mayor says you're not invited.

New Auction Shows Freddie Mercury’s Love for Japan

Freddie Mercury loved Japan - and a new auction from Sotheby's gives you a chance to own some of his art and memorabilia (if you're rich enough).

Sendai Shirō: The Silent Man Who Made Everyone Smile

How a man in Japan's city of Sendai became regarded as a "god of good fortune" whose image still persists today.

The Matchbreakers: The Scammy World of Japan’s Break-up Artists

They say they can get you the love of your life - even if they're dating someone else, or even married. Enter the morally dubious world of the wakaresaseya.

63.1% of Kids Fail Latest English Exams, Says Japanese Government

This year's English testing results in Japan are some of the worst numbers yet. Is Japan getting worse at English - or is a new test to blame?

Licca-chan: The Doll That Spoiled Barbie’s Fame in Japan

Barbie is currently taking the world by storm. But in Japan, the popular doll has never been able to gain a foothold against Licca-chan.

Culture

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