News

CULTURE

This Japanese Seal Holds an Epic 108 Characters

What's the longest name you can fit on a traditional Japanese seal? How about the nom de plume of a legend with…

JAPANESE LANGUAGE

Three Japanese Train Station Names That Even Native Speakers Find Hard

Having a hard time pronouncing these train station names in Japanese? Don't worry - most native speakers didn't get them right, either!

POLITICS

Where in the World is Ikeda Daisaku, Soka Gakkai’s Long-Missing Leader?

Ikeda Daisaku, one of the most powerful political fixers and religious leaders in Japan, hasn’t been seen in public since 2010. Where…

ENTERTAINMENT

ryuchell: Japanese Talent Leaves Behind a Legacy of Activism, Optimism

A look at the life and legacy of ryuchell, the Japanese talent, model, and LGBTQ+ activist who was never afraid of redefining…

ENTERTAINMENT

Review: With Miyazaki’s New “How Do You Live/The Boy and the Heron”, a Master Returns

After a decade, master director Miyazaki Hayao is back with a full-length animated film. How does the mysterious How Do You Live…

SOCIETY

Many Japanese Schools Ban Sunscreen. That Might Be Illegal

Japanese parents are complaining online as schools continue to prevent students from using sunscreen, despite hotter-than-hell temps.

LGBTQ

Historic: Japan’s Supreme Court Rules In Favor Of Transgender Plaintiff

For the first time, Japan's Supreme Court has ruled on workplace rights for sexual minorities, siding with a transgender plaintiff.

LAW & CRIME

Osaka Man Mistakenly Jailed Twice for 40 Days, Cops Apologize

Police arrested an Osaka man on suspicion of making online threats. And then arrested him again. Turns out they had the wrong…