depopulation

POLITICS

Survey: Majority in Japan Believe Lies About Foreigners Getting Preferential Treatment

Populist politicians claim without evidence that foreigners are getting overly favorable treatment in Japan. Many believe them.

WOMEN

Japanese Women’s University Says It’ll Admit Men, Draws Mixed Reactions

The shift reflects the change in women's education over the past century as well as the impact of population decline on enrollment.

INSIDER

[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?

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…

INSIDER

[Insider] Why Supermodel Rola’s Kanji Has Some Fans Worried

Supermodel Rola recently came out with a big announcement - but it's her kanji that has some fans worried for her.

SOCIETY

Grave Friends: Lonely Seniors in Japan Vow to Spend Eternity Together

As Japan continues both to age and become more single, some senior citizens are looking to one another for comfort in the…

SOCIETY

As Birth Rates Plummet, Japan’s PM Regrets Couples Have Fewer Chances to Hook Up

The PM also lamented the dip in omiai, traditional Japanese matchmaking services, and said the government should do...something.

TRAVEL

Tourists Flock to This Hot Hokkaido Spot. Residents Worry Their City is Disappearing

Many restaurants and businesses in the city of Furano love the influx - but others are sick of picking up traveler's garbage.