SOCIETY
Why Renting a House With Friends Is So Hard in Japan
Japan's economy is forcing more young people to consider sharing living expenses. But many are finding that's easier said than done.
economy
SOCIETY
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
Japan’s Rice Crisis is Over, But Consumers and Farmers Aren’t Feeling It
Remember when rice disappeared from Japan’s store shelves in 2024? The Reiwa Rice Crisis is over, but neither farmers nor consumers are…
SOCIETY
“The Meal-Skipping Crowd”: Cute Japanese Gen Z Slang, or a Sign of Japan’s Poverty?
Are young people skipping meals because they don't want to eat? Or are they just too broke? The data paints a complex…
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
Japan Influencer Fact Check: Is Japan Giving Away Businesses for Free?
Businesses in Japan are just waiting for someone to take them over. But as an old Japanese saying goes, nothing's more expensive…
CULTURE
Japan Sells “Oshikatsu Insurance” for Fans Whose Concert Trip Falls Through
Japan's booming oshikatsu (fandom support) economy has inspired a new insurance policy. And it makes a lot more sense than you might…
SOCIETY
Why Some Big Japan Brands Are Quitting Baby Products
The two companies say the decisions have nothing to do with population decline. Indeed, there are signs the baby business in Japan…
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
Calbee Strips Color From Its Potato Chip Bags as Iran Crisis Reaches Japan’s Snack Aisles
Starting May 25, Calbee will ship 14 of its flagship snacks, including Potato Chips and Kappa Ebisen, in austere black-and-white bags. The…
FOOD
Natto-ku Dekinai! Price of Japan’s Stinky National Food Spikes
Japan's two biggest natto makers are hiking prices on the nation's beloved fermented soybeans.