The latest Japan travel and culture news

Tokugawa Ieyasu: The Hero That Everyone in Japan Hates

He ended a century-long war and brought about 264 years of peace. So why does no one in Japan like Tokugawa Ieyasu?

The Evolution of Japan’s Love Hotels

Why do love hotels exist in Japan? And how have they evolved to change with the times? Krys Suzuki examines the 400-year…

FOOD

Here’s Why You (Think You) Hate Japanese Sake (日本酒)

Do you think you hate Japan's famous beverage made from fermented rice? There's likely a simple reason for that.

TECHNOLOGY

Will Japan Ever Go Cashless?

Less than 20% of all financial transactions in Japan are cashless. Learn why that is, and why the government wants to change…

CULTURE

A Japanese City’s “Banana Princess” Returns

A popular city mascot resumes her vaunted role. Learn about Japan's history of "discount banana hawking", and how it gave birth to…

ENTERTAINMENT

What Makes Japanese Idol Culture Unique?

How did Japan become the birthplace of manufactured girl groups? A look into the historic roots of Japanese idol culture and how…

SOCIETY

Is Japan Really THAT Clean?

The stereotype holds that Japan is a meticulously clean country. Emma Ford looks at the difference between public and private behavior, and…

CULTURE

How Netflix’s MANIAC Makes (Some) Strides Melding Cultures

Netflix's MANIAC, directed by Japanese-American auteur Cary Joji Fukunaga, melds Japanese and American cultures convincingly. But in other ways, the series still…