CULTURE
When Plushies Take a Seat: Japan’s “Nuikatsu” Boom Collides With Restaurant Manners
A couple of viral incidents online highlight how some restaurants are struggling to handle customers bringing their stuffed +1s.
controversy
CULTURE
POLITICS
Uniqlo Pulls Pokémon Collab in China Over Yasukuni Shrine Controversy
The incident, along with another anime-related collab controversy, is a sign of increasing tensions between Japan and China.
ENTERTAINMENT
Swimsuit Snow Performance Lands Japanese Idols in Hot Water (and They Don’t Give a F$*!)
Planck Stars isn't a group to shy away from controversy. Indeed, it seems to be reveling in its latest affront to Japanese…
ENTERTAINMENT
How an AI Manga Became a Bestseller on Japan’s Largest e-Book Store
How did a fully AI-generated manga hit number one in Japan? And what does its success portend for the future of the…
CULTURE
Photo Contest in Japan Rescinds Award for Stolen AI-Generated Pic
The submitter confessed that they didn't even "create" the work themselves but instead took a pre-generated image from a website.
TRAVEL
Suica Penguin Retirement Announcement Sparks Fan Outcry in Japan
The character, created by a children's book author, has been the face of the popular transit card since its inception in 2001.
WOMEN
Itō Shiori’s BLACK BOX DIARIES Will (Finally) Release in Japan After Controversy
The film, released in October 2024, has yet to screen in the filmmaker's own country due to questions around the footage it…
TRAVEL
More Than a Budget Stay: The Controversy Behind Japan’s APA Hotels
APA Hotels in Japan are ubiquitous and affordable. Behind the cheap prices lies an aggressive business strategy and war crimes denialism.