News

SOCIETY

Forced “Breast Checks” at Japanese Schools Leave Parents Aghast

An unofficial "black regulation" at some Japanese schools is decried as "creepy" and "disgusting" by parents and students alike.

RACE IN JAPAN

Japanese News Program Apologizes for Calling Ainu “Dogs”

News Show "Sukkiri" caught flak on social media after airing a discriminatory joke towards the Ainu people.

SOCIAL MEDIA

“Shut Up!”: How A Viral Song Has Parents Worrying for Their Kids

A rock-vocaloid song released by Ado back in 2020 is sparking controversy for its harsh lyrics and popularity among youth.

POLITICS

The Odd Candidates of the Chiba Gubernatorial Election

This year's election features a clown that wants to turn Chiba into Disneyland, and a man who simply wants to marry the…

LGBTQ

Miwa’s Plight: A Discussion About Trans and Immigration Rights

In an interview with UJ, Pato-Chan, a trans Filipina woman in Japan detained for 15 months, explains her ongoing struggle.

ENTERTAINMENT

Japanese K-Pop: A Musical Twist or a Cultural Riddle?

Is it K-Pop...or J-Pop? How the emergence of all-Japanese K-Pop-style groups highlights some unique differences between the two genres.

HISTORY

Becoming Japanese: The Story of the Indigenous Uilta of Sakhalin

How the Japanese government attempted to erase and assimilate a small indigenous people - in one case, even using them as spies.

JAPANESE LANGUAGE

10 Useful Japanese Social Media Slang Terms Worth Learning

Before you give your next ii ne in the ripuran, study our guide to online Japanese slang and start tweeting like a…