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Oscars Exhibit Gives Miyazaki the Recognition He Never Wanted

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures' first exhibit is all about Miyazaki. But the master director and the Oscars have a complex history.

Japan’s Fear of a Marijuana Planet

While marijuana use is liberalizing in many countries, Japan is an exception - as one poor celebrity recently found out.

Video: Suga Yoshihide’s Club for Men

Will Japan's new Prime Minister do anything to advance the cause of women in Japan? Unseen Japan Live! co-hosts Sachiko Ishikawa and Jay Allen look at Suga's statements to date.

Japan’s Health Care is Great! (If You’re an American)

Many Americans who move to Japan rave about the country's health care. Here's why non-American residents aren't all that impressed.

Ancestral Ainu Remains Returned by Tokyo University

August 28, 2020
Culture, News, Video

A long fight by Japan's indigenous Ainu results in a hard-won victory - but much more remains to be done.

What’s Up With Okinawan Names? A Language History

Why are Okinawan names difficult for even mainland Japanese speakers? How the languages of the Ryukyu kingdom survived - despite attempts to eradicate them.

Sakamoto Ryoma: The Samurai Who Forged a New Japan

July 29, 2020
Featured, History, History, Video

Learn about how a low-ranking samurai, Sakamoto Ryoma, helped bring down the Shogunate - and why he lost his life for it.

How The Kremlin Saved Kurosawa Akira

Japanese film maestro Akira Kurosawa was at his lowest point - and then the Soviets stepped in.

Why Japanese Cities Have So Few Garbage Cans

How can Japanese cities be so clean...and yet have so few garbage cans? The first part of that question is a bit tricky - but the second has a simple explanation.

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