The latest Japan travel and culture news

Women

Web Commercial Calling Gender Equality “Outdated” Sparks Anger, Major Backlash

Hodo Station has sparked criticism over its portrayal of gender equality as a thing of the past.

Entertainment

Ghibli: Miyazaki’s New Film Halfway Complete, Another Movie in the Offing

While Earwig and the Witch seemed to be a flop, Studio Ghibli is making another movie, and this one is almost half…

Politics

“Olympig”: Olympics Official Insults Watanabe Naomi, Gets Canned

After his controversial proposal to dress Watanabe Naomi up as a pig, the creative director for the Tokyo Olympics stepped down.

Culture

The Uilta: an Invisible Indigenous Group in Japan

How one man's journey reflects the struggles of the Uilta people in defining themselves in the wake of Japanese colonization.

Japanese Language

Husband in Japanese: 6 Words and When to Use Each

Japanese is fraught with unspoken rules and meanings. For example: how should people refer to their husbands?

Society

Forced “Breast Checks” at Japanese Schools Leave Parents Aghast

An unofficial "black regulation" at some Japanese schools is decried as "creepy" and "disgusting" by parents and students alike.

Race in Japan

Japanese News Program Apologizes for Calling Ainu “Dogs”

News Show "Sukkiri" caught flak on social media after airing a discriminatory joke towards the Ainu people.

Social Media

“Shut Up!”: How A Viral Song Has Parents Worrying for Their Kids

A rock-vocaloid song released by Ado back in 2020 is sparking controversy for its harsh lyrics and popularity among youth.