The latest Japan travel and culture news

ENTERTAINMENT

Japan’s TV Habits are Changing

Two great recent Japanese dramas failed to draw a TV audience - but they weren't failures. Here's why.

HISTORY

A Jewish Pilgrimage to Sugihara Chiune’s Consulate

Author Noah Oskow travels to Lithuania to connect with his own Jewish past at Sugihara Chiune's consulate, now a memorial to the…

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Cashless Donations at Buddhist Temples on the Rise

More and more Buddhist templates are supplementing donation boxes with cashless donation systems - a trend that has some in Japan's Buddhist…

CULTURE

Sumida Aquarium Gives Love Advice with Sea Metaphors

A popular aquarium in Japan has found a clever marketing gimmick: turning its staff's experience with sea creatures into relationship advice.

CULTURE

Japan’s Top Pet Peeves on Trains for 2019 May Surprise You

Japan's train service is legendary - but people are still people. Here's what those in Japan said most annoyed them about riding…

WOMEN

Japan’s Gender Gap Improves – But Not Enough

A new report shows some progress in Japan's gender gap - but also highlights big problems. What are the key factors holding…

FEATURED

Saigo Takamori: The Making of a Legend

Saigo Takamori would ultimately tear down the samurai system he so dearly loved. But first, he had to survive an ordeal that…

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

To Curb Overwork, Osaka to Shut Down Employee’s Computers

Osaka Prefecture will implement a clever method to stop employees from putting in overtime. But will it do anything to change the…