LAW & CRIME
Ex-Legislator in Japan Gets Light Sentence for Raping Minor
Politician Shiiki Tamotsu admitted in court that he sexually assaulted a child. So why did he get off so easy?
discrimination
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LAW & CRIME
LIVING IN JAPAN
Japanese School Wrongly Expels Kurdish Student Whose Immigration Status Lapsed
The sixth-year elementary student will return to school after the Japanese government said the decision contradicts its guidance.
WOMEN
There Are Still Zero Female Pro Shogi Players in Japan’s Regular League
Pro women's shogi player Nishiyama Tomoka came close to breaking a 100-year barrier for women in her exam match this week.
SOCIETY
Kanagawa Police Stop Issuing Skirts to Female Officers
A sexist symbol of Japan's past is no more: As of February 2025, Kanagawa Police say new female recruits will only receive…
LGBTQ
Report Finds Half of School Nurses Rat Out LGBTQ Students to School
The report says 54.2% of school nurses neglect to obtain a student's permission before sharing their gender or sexuality concerns.
SOCIETY
Muslim Cemetery in Miyagi Prefecture Will Proceed Despite Resistance
The prefecture has received 400 objections to the proposed cemetery, which would be the 11th in the country.
WOMEN
As Japan’s Population Shrinks, More Traditional Festivals Let Women In
Japan's aging and declining population, coupled with a flight to cities, is leading many festivals to re-examine old prejudices.
JAPANESE LANGUAGE
Can Japanese Stores Use Signs to Keep Tourists Out?
A store in Kyoto made headlines when it posted a sign in English and Chinese saying it was closed - but, in…