Latest Japan News & Analysis

Meet the Japanese Politician Who Won’t Show Up for Work

Why a joke legislator from a joke party fled Japan to avoid some very serious charges - and whether he's ever coming back.

The 10 Hardest “Kira Kira” Japanese Names to Pronounce

Some Japanese parents love having fun with kanji (much to their kids' eventual regret). Can you pronounce these 10 "kira-kira" names?

Controversy at Ghibli Park after Guests Post Inappropriate Pictures

Controversy has erupted in online Japanese spaces over photographs of visitors to the newly-opened Ghibli Park simulating assault on underage film characters.

Gay Politician Confronts Japan’s PM Over Same Sex Marriage

A gay member of Japan's political opposition had a powerful moment when he called out PM Kishida's refusal to act on same-sex marriage.

Why Japan is Losing Its Sea Otters

Japan's aquariums used to host a total of 122 sea otters. Here's why they're now in danger of disappearing completely.

Cricket Croquettes? Japanese High School’s New Lunch Protein Goes Viral

A Japanese school's decision to experiment with a new protein source is going viral and has some parents chirping madly.