Insider
What Happened to “The Harajuku of the Plateau”?
It was the home to the father of American Football in Japan. Now, its downtown is largely abandoned. What happened?
The latest Japan travel and culture news
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Insider
LGBTQ
“Friendship Marriages” in Japan Give Sexual Minorities Shelter – But At What Cost?
Some sexual minorities in Japan are choosing to marry out of convenience. One expert calls it a "last resort" driven by societal…
Culture
Japanese Webcomics Group Restricts Sexually Explicit Online Ads After Uproar
As Japan debates whether to restrict sexually explicit ads shown to minors, a group of 11 webcomics companies responds to public pressure.
Insider
Japan Reacts to Abe’s Widow Visiting Putin
Abe Akie is a private citizen now. So what was she thinking when she met the man who's led a years-long assault…
Sex & Nightlife
Japanese Women Don’t Need “Saving” From Host Clubs, Kabukicho Expert Says
A Kabukicho nightlife expert says the current debate over host clubs is misinformed and based on a disdain for women.
Living in Japan
“Old, Old, Old Rice”: Why Japan’s Lining Up To Buy 2021’s Crop
People in Japan are forming long lines to spend half of the current market price for the strategic reserve rice - some…
Food
Does Loving Ramen Make Men in Japan Undateable?
It's not the greatest turn-off, according to polls. But there's evidence that being super into Japan's national noodle dish is a red…
Travel
Japan’s Musical Roads Give Tourists a Lyrical Treat
How musical roads in Japan came about - and where to find the most scenic ones with a Japanese pop culture connection.