SOCIETY
In Japan, Parents Attend Matchmaking Events to Get Their Kids Hitched
Dairi konkatsu, or proxy marriage hunting, seems to be a modern twist on the old omiai tradition. But how well does it…
aging population
SOCIETY
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
Japan Influencer Fact Check: Is Japan Giving Away Businesses for Free?
Businesses in Japan are just waiting for someone to take them over. But as an old Japanese saying goes, nothing's more expensive…
SOCIETY
Japan’s Hikikomori “80/50” Crisis is Putting a Strain on Elderly Parents
Japan coined the word "hikikomori" for its withdrawn young people. But its reclusive population has quietly aged.
INSIDER
Is Japan’s Gateball a Gateway to Murder?
Japan's sport of gateball is increasingly unpopular. Is that because it leads to violence? The truth, it turns out, is more complicated.
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…
CULTURE
Why the Japanese Sport of Gateball is Dying in Japan
Gateball, Japan's homegrown version of croquet, once had over half a million enthusiastic and engaged fans. Where did they all go?
SOCIETY
Will Japan (Finally) Start Standing on Both Sides of The Escalator?
The city of Nagoya and the 2025 Osaka Expo may be instrumental in reversing a habit that the 1970 Osaka Expo helped…
SOCIETY
Hello, Death: Tokyo Event Gives Attendees a Chance to Die, Frankly Discuss The End
A unique event held yearly in Tokyo gives participants a chance to talk about death openly - and even see what it's…