Culture

Japan Survey Finds Widespread School Discrimination Against Naturally Curly Hair

A survey of Japanese students with multiracial roots finds that many kids are changing their natural hairstyles to conform to school rules. Learn why 30% of students say they feel the need to straighten their hair.

Poll: 90% of Japanese Moms Buy Valentine’s Chocolate For Their Sons

A new poll says the vast majority of Japanese moms give their sons chocolate on Valentine's Day to "save them from heartbreak". Read about this and more interesting Japan Valentine's Day statistics.

Japan’s Hot New Buzzwords of 2023: Sportsmanship, Nude Jokes, And Sugar Babies

2023's trendy Japan words include a new type of girl group, a guy who's definitely wearing pants, and Japan's most popular baseball player.

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.

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