History
Hanafuda: How a Banned Card Game Defined the Pre-Pokémon Era
Before Mario, Nintendo sold hanafuda cards to the yakuza. Read the 400-year forbidden history of the flower cards that tricked the Shogun.
The latest Japan travel and culture news
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History
Sex & Nightlife
Japanese Sex Toy Firm Tenga Suffers US Data Breach
The company took pains to reassure its Japanese customer base that information about their masturbatory habits was safe.
Food
Japan’s Ramen Shops Repel Women. One Store Wants to Change That
70% of women surveyed in Japan don't feel comfortable going into a ramen shop alone. Here's why - and how one store…
Entertainment
Swimsuit Snow Performance Lands Japanese Idols in Hot Water (and They Don’t Give a F$*!)
Planck Stars isn't a group to shy away from controversy. Indeed, it seems to be reveling in its latest affront to Japanese…
Entertainment
Why a 20-Year-Old Japanese Racing Idol Went Searching For a 50-Year-Old Fan
It's common for fans to become obsessed with their idols. But what happens when an idol is worried about one of her…
Food
Edomae Sushi: A Classic Take on a Modern Dish
Sushi is popular around the world. But if you're not down with eating fish totally raw, Edomae sushi offers an alternative.
Travel
Japan’s Best Mountain Towns for a Peaceful Getaway
Want to get away from it all on your trip to Japan? We ranked the best mountain towns that offer culture without…
Travel
Check Out the 2026 Cherry Blossom Forecast for Japan
Time to buy your tickets! Here are the predictions for cherry blossoms blooming across Japan so you can time your trip.