Latest Japan News & Analysis

In Praise of the Japanese Toilet Seat

When is a toilet not just a toilet? We have the straight poop on Japan's mighty contributions to the art of elimination.

Pocky Day: Celebrating Japan’s Record-Setting Snack

Pocky is one of Japan's most famous and beloved snacks. It even has a national holiday. Here's how 11/11 became Pocky Day.

Upskirts Cases Skyrocket in Japan

Nonconsensual photography is becoming a big problem in Japan. Who are the perps - and what can be done to curtail it?

Recent JP Elections Highlight Continued Lack of Women in Politics

Where are the women? The recent Japanese diet elections have continued the country's long stint as among the world's least gender-balanced governments.

Pass the JLPT! Taking a JLPT Practice Test

On my first practice test, I would've automatically failed, simply because I couldn't finish the test. It was what I did next that made all the difference.

Japan to Finally Relax Some Border Restrictions

After a year and a half of almost no movement, Japan's strict border control is finally being relaxed for business, trainee, and student hopefuls.