The latest Japan travel and culture news

Shibuya Goes Hardcore in Its Crackdown on Halloween Fun

Shibuya announced this year that it was banning Halloween celebrations - and they've made it clear that they mean business.

Entertainment

Manga Artist Nakajo Hisaya Passes Away at Age 50

The author of the popular manga series FOR YOU IN FULL BLOSSOM and SUGAR PRINCESS passed away at age 50, according to…

Business and Economy

Japan’s GDP Falls to 4th Place Behind Germany: IMF

Move over, Japan: the country's economic power continues to wane as its GDP now places it only 4th in the world. Learn…

LGBTQ

Japan’s Supreme Court Strikes Down Law Requiring Sterilization for Gender Change

In a major win for transgender people in Japan, the country's high court has struck down a law requiring sterilization for gender…

Food

Japan Will Task Prison Inmates to Shuck Scallops – Because China Won’t

Desperate times call for desperate measures. In Japan's case, that means using prisoners as scallop-shuckers. Learn how China's rejection of Japanese seafood…

Three ghostly women from Japanese horror films in kimono with outstretched arms layered on top of each other.

Entertainment

Five Japanese Horror Films for a Haunted Halloween

In the mood for the eerie world of Japanese horror this haunting season? Look no further than these five classic films.

A Pokémon card superimposed over an image of hands restrained in handcuffs.

Law & Crime

Pokémon Cards in Japan Become Nationwide Theft Targets

With the price of Pokémon cards soaring, a string of crimes targeting the trading cards is making waves across Japan.

Poster for The Boy and the Heron over blue background with words "English Dub Cast Announced" superimposed over images of feathers.

Entertainment

English Dub Cast Announced for Ghibli’s The Boy and the Heron

Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki Hayao's new The Boy and the Heron has its official English-language cast. As expected, it's a star studded…