economy

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Japan’s Best-Paying Hourly Jobs? Costco and IKEA

Real wages in Japan have remained pathetically low for several decades. Unless, that is, you work for Costco or IKEA. As the…

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

The Tokaido Shinkansen Celebrates 60 Years of Awesome

Happy birthday! This month, the Tokaido Shinkansen celebrated its 60th anniversary. Learn more about the bullet train's history and how it revolutionized…

TRAVEL

Can Japan REALLY Accommodate 60 Million Tourists a Year?

Japan will see 35 million tourists in 2024. The government wants to raise that by 25 million by 2030. Is that even…

TRAVEL

Overtourism Helps Revive Retro Ghost Town Near Mt. Fuji

It was a shopping center on its last legs. Learn how a "retro" Showa-era location near Mt. Fuji has gone viral -…

LIVING IN JAPAN

Why Are Japan’s Young People Fleeing The Country?

Weak yen, stagnant wages, and economic woes are creating a perfect storm, driving more Japanese youth to look for opportunities outside Japan.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Have South Korean Convenience Stores Eclipsed Japan’s Konbini?

Korean convenience stores now outnumber Japanese ones per capita. But what’s behind their success, and what makes them different? We look at…

TRAVEL

Poll: Increasing Support in Japan for Two-Tier Tourist Pricing

More spots in Japan are establishing two-tier pricing for inbound tourists - and more Japanese residents approve than ever before. Here's why…

TRAVEL

Are Foreign Tourists Eating All of Japan’s Rice?

Japan is facing a shortage of rice. Newspapers and TV reports are partially blaming inbound tourists. We ran the numbers - and…