Latest Japan News & Analysis

Bill Gates and the Revival of the Meguro Parasitological Museum

A unique museum in Tokyo's Meguro ward that has been struggling to stay afloat got a boost in the arm from a surprise visitor.

Mama, Papa: How the Japanese Words for Parents Lost Out to English

"Mama" and "papa" are such ubiquitous parental terms in Japan that it's easy to forget they're foreign words - words the government once tried to ban.

Japanese Basketball Stars Speak Out on “Daily” Racism

Several multiracial Japanese basketball stars are speaking out on social media about the racism they face on a daily basis.

Japan’s “Oldest Known Writing” is Just Permanent Marker: Experts

A stone thought to contain Japan's oldest known writing now appears like it might just be the result of sample contamination.

Tokyo Court Denies Transgender Parent Legal Rights To Own Child

How an outdated Japanese law and no same-sex marriage rights denied one transgender parent legal guardianship of her own biological child.

Japanese Woman’s “Death by Housework” Goes Unacknowledged

A woman was worked to death - but since it was "just housework", Japan's government won't acknowledge it. How her family is fighting back.