Latest Japan News & Analysis

When Tokyo was Socialist: The Story of Governor Minobe

October 4, 2022
Essay, History, History, Patreon, Video

Japan is often described as a one-party, conservative state - and yet, for over a decade, a highly popular socialist led the government of Tokyo. Meet Governor Minobe.

Krispy Kreme Japan is Staging a Big Comeback

Just when it looked like it might circle the drain, Krispy Kreme appears to be roaring back to life in Japan. What explains the sudden turnaround?

Combini: Japanese Convenience Stores and Life in Modern Japan

Convenience stores ("combini") in Japan are everywhere. But what do people use them for? A look at combini and everyday life in Japan.

In Aichi, This Japanese “Dirty” Word Means Something Different

Dialects are fun. But in the case of this one word from Aichi Prefecture, they can also lead to some hilarious misunderstandings...

Will Voice Actors Quit Over Japan’s New Tax Law?

A new tax system in Japan may expose creators' identities - and a voice actor says it could cause many of her colleagues to quit.

Japanese City Pioneers New Drone-based Warning System

The city of Sendai launches Japan's first-ever drone-based system to alert citizens in hard-to-reach locations of impending disaster.