Latest Japan News & Analysis

These Uncommon Kanji May Surprise You!

Japan maintains an "official" list of kanji. But some "unofficial" kanji are also in common use - and chances are you know a few.

Lawyers Say World’s Oldest Death Row Inmate in Japan Was Framed

The person to ever sit the longest on death row - 55 years - is still alive in Japan. And attorneys say they can prove his innocence. We cover the evidence offered at a press conference by Hakamada Iwao's attorneys.

Dads Want New Moms To Keep Doing Housework, Says Japanese Pamphlet

A pamphlet aimed at new moms in Japan set off a social media firestorm in Japan when it asked men what they wanted most from their wives.

How Japan Is Beating The Heat This Summer

It's HOT! As heat advisories sweep Japan, people are finding new and unique ways to keep cool - and stay safe.

It’s So Hot, This Famous Japanese Chocolate is Going Naked

It's one of Japan's favorite chocolate treats. But it's so hot right now that its manufacturer decided the chocolate wasn't worth the mess.

Costco Japan Pays Workers a Fair Wage, Local Businesses Seethe

Costco Japan says it'll pay a higher than market wage in all its warehouses countrywide. That has some local business owners fuming.