Unseen Japan Insider

INSIDER

[Insider] Blame Japan’s Heat on…Chinese Solar Panels?!

Are Chinese solar panels warming Japan? Do they pose an infrastructure threat to the country? The answer is simple - and complicated.

INSIDER

[Insider] Modern Day Extortionists: The Scummy World of Japan’s “Exposé” Influencers

(Subscriber content) Two men invaded the home of an "exposé" influencer, beat him, and microwaved his phone. Here's why few people feel…

INSIDER

[Insider] Taking Toys From Kids: The McDonald’s Japan Pokémon Fiasco

Should McDonald's Japan restrict who can buy a Happy Set? Or should retailers abandon the "limited-edition" gimmick altogether?

INSIDER

[Insider] Are Parasols in Asia Racist?

Parasols: Harmless way to avoid skin cancer and wrinkles - or a statement on how white supremacy has dominated Asia?

INSIDER

[Insider] Can Sanseitō Actually Take Over Japan?

While the party doesn't (yet) have that kind of power, there are troubling signs that its impact could outweigh its small size.

INSIDER

[Insider] Worldmate, Elon Musk’s Mom, and The Man All Over Japan’s Trains

Feeling lucky? We look at Fukami Tōshū, Worldmate, and the mysterious female prophet on whom the organization's teachings are based.

INSIDER

[Insider] What Happened to Actress Tôno Nagiko?

A body was discovered at the actress' home recently. Why haven't the police been able to confirm that it's hers?

INSIDER

[Insider] Is Japan’s Gateball a Gateway to Murder?

Japan's sport of gateball is increasingly unpopular. Is that because it leads to violence? The truth, it turns out, is more complicated.