activism

LGBTQ

LGBTQ People, Advocates Ask Japan’s Politicians to Legalize Marriage Equality Swiftly

After a bitter court loss, LGBTQ people in Japan continue pressing politicians for fast action.

INSIDER

[Insider] Why Japan Isn’t Demonstrating Against Foreign Tourists (Yet)

In Spain, they're shooting tourists with water guns. Why aren't we seeing the same level of revolt against tourists in Japan?

SOCIETY

Sexually Explicit Online Ads Are Rampant in Japan. Some Have Had Enough

The sexually explicit ads - some featuring scenes of sexual assault - often appear on aggregation and gaming sites that cater to…

SOCIETY

Nine Years Later: Takahashi Matsuri’s Mom Remembers Daughter Lost to Overwork

Nine years ago, Takahashi Matsuri lost her life in a clear-cut case of karoshi, or death by overwork. Her mother, Yukimi, remembers…

RACE IN JAPAN

Civic Group Protests Event Alleging Hate Speech Against the Ainu

A supposed "Ainu History Learning Association" has been holding "learning sessions" that promote disinformation about the indigenous group. Last month, a local…

HISTORY

Iboshi Hokuto: The Legacy of the Ainu Poet-Activist

Spurred by colonialist propaganda that called his people "a dying race," Iboshi Hokuto spent his short life in service to his belief…

SOCIETY

Japanese Atomic Bomb Survivor Memorial Desecrated in Seattle

A statue of atomic bomb survivor Sasaki Sadako in Seattle was cut off at its feet. Community members believe the thief was…

LGBTQ

Japanese Publisher Kadokawa Cancels Release Of Anti-Trans US Book

A notorious anti-trans book was about to make its way to Japan's shores - until employees at Kadokawa spoke up.