The latest Japan travel and culture news

Culture

Morioka’s Sansa Odori Festival Dances the Demon Away

It's a must see event if you'll be in Japan in August. Learn about the history and tradition behind the Morioka Sansa…

LGBTQ

Osaka Court Again Overturns Asylum Denial for LGBTQ Refugee

Is Japan warming up to refugees? An Osaka court has overturned a denial of a gay man's request for asylum - the…

Living in Japan

Will These Japanese Towns Be Mostly Foreigners by 2050?

As Japan welcomes an increasing number of foreigners per year, one report predicts these towns may be mostly immigrants in a few…

Entertainment

Idol’s Home Intrusion Renews Focus on Online Harassment in Japan

The break-in to Japanese idol Fujisaki Nagi's home highlights the ongoing struggle stars and ordinary people face with Internet harassment.

Business and Economy

With Japan’s New Money Out, Whither the 2000 Yen Bill?

There's a lot of excitement around Japan's new money. But what will happen to the increasingly rare 2000 yen bill?

Travel

Racing into Trouble: The Real-Life “Mario Kart” Saga in Tokyo

Ever wanted to drive a real-life "Mario Kart" around Tokyo? You can - but many people who live in Tokyo really wish…

Business and Economy

Why Japan’s Konbini are Increasingly Powered by Foreign Exchange Students

Labor-strapped convenience stores in Japan are increasingly turning to exchange students to work the shifts Japanese workers don't want. In some cases,…

Society

Could Japan Become Anti-Child as Population Declines?

More people are remaining single and childless than ever in Japan. Could that feed into existing anti-child sentiments in the nation and…