aging population

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Staffless Shops in Japan See Success – and Theft

Japan is renowned for its customer service. However, in the near future, there may be no one serving you at all. Here's…

LIVING IN JAPAN

Why Are Japan’s Young People Fleeing The Country?

Weak yen, stagnant wages, and economic woes are creating a perfect storm, driving more Japanese youth to look for opportunities outside Japan.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Have South Korean Convenience Stores Eclipsed Japan’s Combini?

Korean convenience stores now outnumber Japanese ones per capita. But what’s behind their success, and what makes them different? We look at…

TRAVEL

Visit Japan’s Six Most Enchanting Remote Islands

Need a break from the hustle and bustle? These six Japanese islands offer peace, quiet, and a chance to unwind amidst natural…

SOCIETY

Fukuoka Citizens Gripe That Night Garbage Collectors Are Taking Breaks

Some citizens in Fukuoka are complaining that garbage collectors, who work at night in the city, are having the audacity to -…

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Why Japan’s Combini are Increasingly Powered by Foreign Exchange Students

Labor-strapped convenience stores in Japan are increasingly turning to exchange students to work the shifts Japanese workers don't want. In some cases,…

LIVING IN JAPAN

What Does Japan Think About Its Foreigner Population?

A survey released earlier this year reveals what Japanese citizens think about increased immigration - and shows a substantial split by age.

TRAVEL

Thanks to Weak Yen, Japanese Timeshare Owners In Hawaii are Screwed

The weak yen means many Japanese people can't easily travel abroad. That's left those who bought timeshares in Hawaii losing money, as…