History

Was The Tsuyama Massacre Japan’s First Proto-Incel Incident?

In 1938, a disaffected young man stalked his mountain village, killing dozens of his neighbors. Was the Tsuyama Massacre the first incel mass murder?

Musical comedies dominated the screen in Japan's pre-war and post-war eras. Here are some classics for your viewing pleasure.

Japan has a noted drinking culture. Yet, as Japan modernized, a surprising number embraced the foreign concept of alcohol prohibition.

The island of Odaiba is one of Tokyo's major landmarks. Not long ago, however, it didn't even exist. Discover Tokyo history rising from the depths.

Tsunami recovery efforts in Sendai have unearthed a canal relay station and a point of local transit history.

Who's a good boy? For many in Japan, the answer is Hachiko. Learn about the dog who touched a nation's heart.

Boss Coffee is turning 30 years old. Learn about the history of canned coffee, its recognizable logo, and those Tommy Lee Jones ads.

An online campaign raises enough money to recover a piece of history: an anchor from the attempted 13th century Mongol invasions of Japan.

How an unfortunate gear shift led to one worker at a Japanese temple accidentally taking out a historically significant toilet.