The latest Japan travel and culture news

LAW & CRIME

“Appointment Call” Scam: The New – and Deadly – Crime Targeting Japan’s Elderly

A new form of financial swindle targeting Japan's elderly is racking up victims - and bodies.

FEATURED

The Fall of Ezo, Japan’s “Samurai Democracy”

How Japan's samurai resistance fell to the pressure of history - and how its leader went from hatred traitor to respected leader.

WOMEN

#KuToo: A Revolt Against Pumps in the Japanese Workplace

While #MeToo never took off in Japan the way it did in the U.S., Japanese women are growing more aware, and angrier,…

POLITICS

Japan Considers Compensation for Forced Sterilization Under Eugenics Law

Japan's eugenics law remained on the books until 1996. Now, the victims are fighting back - and the country's government grapples for…

TECHNOLOGY

A Subway Train in Japan Gets a Second Life…as a Vending Machine

A long-serving train car on Tokyo Metro's Ginza line isn't heading entirely for the scrapyard: a part of its gets to live…

TECHNOLOGY

A Buddhist Temple in Kyoto Gets Its First Android Saint

If you were planning to join the Buddhist priesthood because a robot took your job...welp, I've got some bad news for you.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

A Major Inconvenience? Citing Overwork, 7-11 Owner in Osaka Stops 24/7 Operation

A 7-11 franchisee who's "on the verge of working to death" said he's shortening his store's hours - a move that has…

SOCIETY

Is Japan’s Bullying Problem Overblown?

Japan has gained a reputation in the West for being a nation of bullies. But do the facts back that up?