News

CULTURE

A Survey Ranked Japan’s Most Ill-Mannered City. The Winner?

A survey asked people in Japan if their city had the worst manners. You won't believe which took first place. (Okay, maybe…

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Japan’s First-Ever Weight Loss Drug Is Approved. But Does It Need It?

Japan - already one of the world's thinnest nations - has its first-ever approved weight loss drug. Will users dig its nasty…

LIVING IN JAPAN

Tourists Love Japan’s Toilets, Says New Survey

Foreign tourists are going wild for Japan's bidet-equipped toilets - and many are eager to see them in public spaces too.

HISTORY

Stolen Ryukyu Artwork, Found in US, Returned to Okinawa

The rediscovery of Ryukyuan artwork lost during the Pacific War offers a ray of hope for those seeking to restore Okinawa's cultural…

NEWS

Kumai Hitomi: From Beauty Contestant to the “Luffy” Crime Ring

Kumai Hitomi had a promising future. But she ended up running with the wrong crowd - and had to cheat and steal…

TRAVEL

Inbound Tourist Discounts Ending in Japan As Locals Protest

It used to be you could get into some key cultural attractions in Japan as a tourist at a discount. Here's why…

FOOD

In Japan, Overpouring Konbini Coffee Could Mean Prison, Job Loss

Japan's facing a minor crime wave of people pouring more konbini coffee than they bought. And konbinis are responding - with arrests.

TRAVEL

Flesh-Eating Bacteria Hits Japan – But Officials Tell Travelers Not to Worry

Should you worry that streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) will throw a wrench into your Japan travel plans? Officials say not to…