News

JAPANESE LANGUAGE

The 10 Hardest “Kira Kira” Japanese Names to Pronounce

Some Japanese parents love having fun with kanji (much to their kids' eventual regret). Can you pronounce these 10 "kira-kira" names?

NEWS

Controversy at Ghibli Park after Guests Post Inappropriate Pictures

Controversy has erupted in online Japanese spaces over photographs of visitors to the newly-opened Ghibli Park simulating assault on underage film characters.

LGBTQ

Gay Politician Confronts Japan’s PM Over Same Sex Marriage

A gay member of Japan's political opposition had a powerful moment when he called out PM Kishida's refusal to act on same-sex…

SOCIETY

Why Japan is Losing Its Sea Otters

Japan's aquariums used to host a total of 122 sea otters. Here's why they're now in danger of disappearing completely.

FOOD

Cricket Croquettes? Japanese High School’s New Lunch Protein Goes Viral

A Japanese school's decision to experiment with a new protein source is going viral and has some parents chirping madly.

WOMEN

As Gender Equality Advances in Japan, “Miss Contests” Fade

Okinawa is retiring its "Miss Contest" - but it's not the only prefecture revisiting the beauty pageant concept.

NEWS

This Strange Orb Freaked Out a City in Japan

Amidst a series of high-altitude UFOs spotted over Japan and the US, a strange orb washed ashore in Shizuoka. Here's what we…

NEWS

High Egg Prices Are Hitting Japan (and Its Pancakes)

Say bye-bye to pancakes: high egg prices are ruffling feathers in Japan - and taking several staple items off of restaurant menus.