The latest Japan travel and culture news

LAW & CRIME

Keio University Students Arrested Five Separate Times Won’t Be Charged with Rape

A Net backlash in Japan swells with news that several students of well-connected families at Keio University won't face multiple charges of…

CULTURE

Taking Laughter Seriously: A History of Japanese Comedy

How comedy and the concept of laughter in Japan evolved from seriousness to silliness.

SOCIETY

#WaitingOnGod: The Risky Hash Tags Used By Japan’s Runaways

How young Japanese girls are using Twitter to run away from home - and how Japanese police and NPOs are taking action…

SOCIETY

After Teacher Slugs Student in Japan, Many Sympathize with…the Teacher

Learn why, after a teacher hauled off and hit a student, many are calling for the STUDENT to be punished.

SOCIETY

Anti-Vax Japanese Religious Cult Apologizes for Measles Outbreak

A religious group in Mie Prefecture apologizes after its resistance to modern medicine nearly causes an epidemic.

ENTERTAINMENT

Illegal Hero? China’s Legally Dubious Ultraman Movies Rile Japanese Fans

A Chinese production company continues releasing Ultraman movies that Ultraman's Japanese producers say are illegal. Are they legitimate - or another Chinese…

SOCIETY

Unseen Japan Kaiwa: Idol Matters – The Yamaguchi Maho Incident, and Life as a Woman in Modern Japan

English language and American lifestyle YouTuber Misaki joins Unseen Japan to discuss the Yamaguchi Maho idol incident, how idol culture creates pressure…

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Why Subway is Dying in Japan – and Why Starbucks Keeps Growing

While Subway stores in Japan shutter left and right, Starbucks thrives. Why has the one failed where the other succeeded?