Latest Japan News & Analysis

Acceptance for “Kira Kira” Names? How Japan’s Koseki Rules May Change

The rise of Japanese "kira kira" names with unexpected kanji readings has sparked controversy over the past few decades. Will altering the family register system change all that?

Lost and Restored: The Equestrian Statue of Date Masamune

May 25, 2022
History, History, News, Patreon

A massive earthquake struck northern Japan, damaging the famed statue of Date Masamune in Sendai. But Date - and Sendai - are nothing if not resilient.

Abortion In Japan: A History

A look at how abortion in Japan evolved throughout the ages, from a financial necessity to a call for the acknowledgment of women's rights.

Volunteer Efforts May Help Save Historic Yuki Sake Brewery

After a fire devastated Yuki Sake Brewery, a historic Japanese cultural landmark, volunteer efforts commence to aid its revival.

Yabai! Its Meaning and Versatility in Modern Japanese

There's no word quite like "yabai" in Japanese - an extremely popular slang term that can mean anything from "awful" to "risky" to "excellent, dude!" Yet the prevalence of "yabai" has some worried.

Japan’s Tourism Reopening: What We Know So Far

Last week, Prime Minister Kishida announced Japan would reopen to tourism from June. The actual details are a bit more complex - and remain murky.