BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
Kanagawa Prefecture Considers Four-Day Workweek for All Government Staff
The prefecture is the latest in a string of local governments and private companies in Japan experimenting with flexible schedules.
News
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BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
NEWS
Shibuya Will Fine Businesses Without Garbage Cans as Tourist Trash Crisis Piles Up
The move sparks a renewed debate around who's responsible for picking up after Japan's record number of tourists.
LIVING IN JAPAN
Japan Continues Cracking Down on Foreigners, for Some Reason
New proposals around property registration and naturalization raise questions around what problem the country is trying to solve.
CULTURE
The Hidden Culture Behind Japan’s Bag-Charms Craze
Experts say "oshi-katsu" and this age-old religious trend have helped fuel the rise of character dolls dangling from bags and backpacks.
LIVING IN JAPAN
Vacation Guilt: Why Japanese Workers (Still) Can’t Rest
Social mores play a big role in why Japanese workers say they report to the office even when they're sick.
LGBTQ
Surprise, Anger, and Frustration as Tokyo’s High Court Rules Against Marriage Equality
Supporters of marriage equality in Japan were met with an unexpected setback after a series of affirmative rulings.
LIVING IN JAPAN
Japan to Increase Residence Permit Fees Amid Rising Immigration Costs
The move is meant to align with fees set by Western countries - but many residents complain the new rates are exorbitant.
SEX & NIGHTLIFE
Love Hotel Scandal Claims Career of Japanese City Mayor
Ex-mayor Ogawa Akira insists the 10+ times she went to a love hotel with another city employee were strictly business.