Latest Japan News & Analysis

Stronger than the Wave: Five Southern Tohoku Folk Traditions

The Tohoku region's endured a lot over the past 200 years. How five rich folk traditions capture the durability and diversity of the region.

Why Is Japan’s My Number System Flailing?

Japan's pushing for everyone to get a national ID card by 2022. It's less than halfway there. So what's holding people back?

What Japan’s Hot New Buzzwords of 2021 Tell Us

A hot YouTube song, gender equality, and the head of the International Olympic Committee all made 2021's list of Japanese buzzwords. Which word took home the grand prize?

[Updated] Japan Halts Incoming Flight Bookings Through December – Including for Citizens

The Japanese government announces today that it will halt the sale of tickets for flights inbound to the country for one month - and citizens are no exception.

Kotatsu: Japan’s Way of Staying Warm in Winter

It's kept Japan warm for over 500 years. So why is it disappearing from Japanese homes? A short history of the kotatsu (and how to buy one).