government

LIVING IN JAPAN

Cancellation Calls for Kurdish Spring Festival in Saitama Renew Tensions

Why a conflict over a spring musical festival is renewing tensions between Kawaguchi and Saitama cities and the local Kurdish population.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Japan’s Technical Interns Could More Easily Switch Jobs Under New Proposal

Japan's technical interns, some of whom suffer horrible abuses from their employers, may soon find it easier to find a new job.…

TRAVEL

Mt. Fuji Climbers Hit with New Fee as Overtourism Concerns Soar

Amidst escalating tourism (over-tourism?) at Mt. Fuji, local officials respond with a new fee to ensure a safe climbing experience.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Japan Unveils Plans for New Digital Nomad Visa

Japan has released initial plans for its digital nomad visa. How does it compare to what other countries offer?

POLITICS

Anger as Japan Politicians Avoid Charges in Slush Fund Scandal

Seven members of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party won't be charged in a scheme that saw them receive substantial financial kickbacks.

LAW & CRIME

Aishima Shizuo: A Victim of Japan’s “Hostage Justice” System

Tokyo police and prosecutors falsely accused him of exporting biological weapons to China, jailing him until three days before he died.

TECHNOLOGY

Japan’s Government Will Ban Fax Machines From Schools

Welcome to the 21st century: as part of its ongoing digitization efforts, Japan's telling schools that fax machines are so yesterday.

TRAVEL

Japan To Charge Tourists Consumption Tax and Refund At Departure

Thanks, scammers. Due to some people exploiting the system, Japan will now change how it handles duty-free purchasing by tourists.