SOCIETY
Osaka Station’s “Exclusion Art”: Hostile Architecture Comes to Kansai
Why did 150 concrete blocks outside JR Osaka Station spark outrage? We explore the divide in Japan's "exclusion art" debate.
discrimination
SOCIETY
RACE IN JAPAN
Hokkaido University Apologizes for a Century of Ainu Remains Research
After many years of calling its actions "extremely regrettable," Hokkaido University has finally apologized for how it handled Ainu remains.
RACE IN JAPAN
Award-Winning Author Yu Miri Harassed Online After Criticizing Japanese Government
Yu Miri is one of Japan's most celebrated authors. Yet some feel that, due to her background, she has no right to…
RACE IN JAPAN
Hundreds Rally at Japan’s Diet Against Anti-Foreigner Politics
The rallies are a response to both anti-foreign sentiment and specific policies, such as changes to the business manager visa.
WOMEN
Why Japan’s Kyushu Got Labeled The Country’s Most Sexist Region
In early 2025, the net slang “sasu-kyū” branded Japan’s Kyushu its most male-dominated region. When Japanese gender experts and critics dug in,…
LGBTQ
In Japan, LGBTQ Protections Depend on Which Town You Live In
Japan just approved its first national LGBT plan. But with no anti-discrimination law and partnership certificates that carry no legal force, a…
LGBTQ
Tokyo Court Awards Damages to Outed Transgender Author
Award-winning author Li Kotomi won a small but symbolic ruling against a lawyer who had been involved in the Aum Shinrikyo trials.
SOCIETY
Japan Chain’s Women-Only Gyms Spark New Debates Over Safety vs. Fairness
A gym chain in Japan has come under fire from women for not enforcing gender restrictions - and from men for having…