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Latest Japan News & Analysis

The pride and Japanese flags

Tokyo Rainbow Pride Protest Raises Questions About LGBTQ-Friendly Workplace Policies

A certain realization led one Tokyo Rainbow Pride participant to protest, and call attention to one company's much-needed policy updates.

Shigenobu Fusako, Japanese Red Army Leader, to be Released from Prison this Month

After twenty years, Shigenobu Fusako, the face of the infamous international Japanese Red Army, will see the end of her prison sentence.
A girl engages in saboru - she throws her textbook away.

Saboru: The Strange Origins of “Cutting Class” in Japanese

Mass strikes, the creation of the 8-hour workday, and an early 20th-century vogue for foreign words - all led to the most popular Japanese word many don't even realize is foreign in origin.
Jake Adelstein and the French cover of Tokyo Vice.

Tokyo Vice, The Book: We Ask Jake Adelstein Anything (and Everything)

In a continued exclusive for Unseen Japan, Jake Adelstein reflects on writing Tokyo Vice, his true-to-life memoir on the Japanese underworld that spawned the hit HBO show.
FamilyMart rainbow socks

FamilyMart Rainbow Socks Arrive In Continuation Of LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Efforts

Last year, the J-Twitter community went gaga over FamilyMart branded socks. Now, the major convenience store chain is back at it again - and is supporting the LGBT+ community in the process.
Sakura cherry blossom tree in Miyagi.

How Sakura Blossoms Gained Cultural Significance in Japan

The sakura (cherry blossom) is practically synonymous with Japan. Here's a deeper look at the history of this fascinating flower's popularity

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