The latest Japan travel and culture news

TECHNOLOGY

Cashless Payments in Japan Accelerate – and May Doom the One Yen Coin

Cashless payments are accelerating, even among the elderly - and it appears the one yen coin might not survive their onslaught.

SOCIETY

Is Japan Too Deferential to Parents? Advocates Speak Out After 10-Year-Old’s Death

A second high-profile death of an abused child leaves experts questioning why Japan gives so much credence to the wishes of parents.

ENTERTAINMENT

9-Year-Old Japanese Go Player Will Become Country’s Youngest Pro Ever

A young girl who can't even turn pro until April is already giving some of the world's top Go players a run…

POLITICS

Did Japan’s Government Track Dissidents in Okinawa?

Did the Abe government violate Japan's Constitution by tracking opponents of Okinawa's military base? The government denies it - but a Japanese…

SOCIETY

“Drop Dead”: Why Harassment By Customers is Spiking in Japan

Why are Japanese customers getting more angry and aggressive? Experts cite two key factors.

POLITICS

Resistance and Acceptance in the Allied Occupation of Japan

How the Allied Occupation plunged Japan into a national Five Stages of Grief - and how it permanently changed Japanese society and…

LAW & CRIME

“Ninja” Thief Scales Walls to Commit Robberies in Osaka

An Osaka man who used his newfound powers for evil has been arrested by local police for a series of daring -…

CULTURE

Ticket for Monk Driving in Robes is Tossed, But Legal Issues Linger

A monk who sparked an online rebellion gets his fine thrown out - but the issue of whether monks are legally allowed…