Latest Japan News & Analysis

How Marijuana Brought Down a Japanese Football Team

Nihon University used to have an American football team. But then some players smoked a joint - and all hell broke loose.

Japanese Woman Treated as “Stranger” by Town After Female Partner Dies

Would You Try 7-11’s New Hokkaido-Only Chocolate Mint Sandwich?

Delectable treat - or akin to eating toothpaste? Peppermint lovers are rejoicing as a new favorite returns to some 7-11 stores in Hokkaido.

Japan’s Government Will Ban Fax Machines From Schools

Welcome to the 21st century: as part of its ongoing digitization efforts, Japan's telling schools that fax machines are so yesterday.

Shinjuku’s Host Clubs Will Raise Age Limit to 20

As police and politicians put host clubs under a microscope, Shinjuku clubs announced they'll bar 18- and 19-year-olds from entering. But that promise hasn't been enough to prevent a police crackdown.

Oshi no Ko Dominates Internet Buzzwords for 2023

A popular manga and anime continued to draw headlines in 2023, this time earning the distinction of the year's top online buzzword.