Society
New Superfast Shinkansen Line in Japan Delayed, Possibly Until 2034
It promises to be a true bullet train, traversing seven prefectures in 40 minutes. But will the new Shinkansen ever see the…
The latest Japan travel and culture news
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Society
Living in Japan
At This Japanese Gym, You Can Sing Karaoke and Wash Your Laundry
Want to get in some reps but also need to do your laundry AND belt out some karaoke hits? Good news! This…
Food
This Spicy Japanese Snack Wasn’t an April Fool’s Prank After All
One Japanese snack maker took an interesting twist on April Fools this year: advertising a "joke" that turned up on store shelves…
Travel
Shizuoka Wants to Toll Mt. Fuji to Curb Overtourism
To prevent overtourism, Shizuoka Prefecture wants to charge users of its three Mt. Fuji trailheads. The problem? It doesn't own them.
Law & Crime
Why Everyone in Japan Could Be Named Sato-san By 2531
In a future Japan where couples can't choose separate surnames, 2531 could be the era of the Sato-sans, one Japanese university claims.
Politics
Japan Accepts Record-High 300 Refugees in 2023, Still a Global Low
While it's still low compared to other countries, Japan accepted more refugee applicants last year than ever.
Travel
Why Some Japanese Restaurants Insist on “Japanese Language Only”
Here and there in Japan, one sees restaurants putting up signs refusing non-Japanese speakers. Is that necessarily a bad thing?
Food
Risky Fish-ness: 12yo in Japan Passes Fugu Preparation Exam
It's the tastiest fish that might kill you. But one elementary school kid in Japan has mastered preparing it so well that…