discrimination

CULTURE

Burakumin: Japan’s Hounded “Untouchables”

While Japan has no formal caste system today, one "underclass" still finds itself routinely hounded and persecuted.

CULTURE

Why Japan’s Ainu Recognition Bill Upsets the Ainu

After all these years, the Japanese government officially recognized the Ainu. Here's why the Ainu can't take them seriously.

TRAVEL

Defying Taboo, Japan’s “Hot Springs Prefecture” Welcomes Tattooed Tourists

A prefecture in Japan tackles a longstanding aversion to tattoos in a bid to put tourists at ease.

POLITICS

Japan Considers Compensation for Forced Sterilization Under Eugenics Law

Japan's eugenics law remained on the books until 1996. Now, the victims are fighting back - and the country's government grapples for…

SOCIETY

Million Dollar Dual Citizen: Naomi Osaka’s Citizenship Dilemma

Naomi Osaka has to make a choice soon about her Japanese citizenship - and it could cost her millions.

SOCIETY

The Shocking Consequences of Mental Illness Stigma in Japan

Despite having a fairly efficient health care system, Japan lags behind in providing both awareness and support for mentally ill people.

FEATURED

Kizuna Ai: How Her Sexist Usage Offended Women in Japan

Is anime "The New Orientalism"? How a Twitter controversy over Kizuna Ai had Japanese women questioning how the media depicts them.

CULTURE

How Netflix’s MANIAC Makes (Some) Strides Melding Cultures

Netflix's MANIAC, directed by Japanese-American auteur Cary Joji Fukunaga, melds Japanese and American cultures convincingly. But in other ways, the series still…