News

LAW & CRIME

Shinjuku Restaurant Serves Kimchi – But Not to Korean or Chinese People

A restaurant in Tokyo's Shinjuku, near the heart of its Korea Town, proudly says it won't serve Korean or Chinese customers. Is…

SOCIETY

In Japan, It’s Not Just the Elderly Dying Alone

Japan is seeing a spike in people - even the young - dying alone in their homes. And authorities say they expect…

ENTERTAINMENT

Kuroyanagi Tetsuko: Japan’s Queen of TV Talent

An institution in Japan, Kuroyanagi Tetsuko has been on Japanese TV for as long as it's existed. But her beginnings were less…

ENTERTAINMENT

Inside the Akutagawa Prize, Japan’s Biggest Literary Award

The Akutagawa Prize has made the career of many up-and-coming Japanese writers - but it's not without its controversies. Learn more about…

LIVING IN JAPAN

Bad Benches: Shinjuku Uses Hostile Architecture Against Street Drinking

Has hostile architecture come to Japan? Social media users decry the rise of benches in Tokyo that seem designed to prevent the…

LGBTQ

The Boyfriend: Japan’s First Same-Sex Dating Reality Show’s A Global Hit

Critics worldwide are hailing Japan's The Boyfriend as great TV - and LGBTQ advocates say it's just the message that Japan needs…

TRAVEL

Hokkaido Urges Businesses to Adopt Two-Tier Pricing for Travelers

Hokkaido joins the call for two-tier pricing for tourism in Japan, calling on businesses to give prefectural residents a discount.

TRAVEL

Do These Summer Heat-Beating Japanese Products Actually Work?

Japan has a slew of products on shelves aimed at dealing with the intense summer heat. Are they worth it?