SOCIETY
Hay Fever in Japan: A Man-Made Nationwide Epidemic
How did a condition once thought to be non-existent in Japan become the country's "national illness"? Blame the government, says Krys Suzuki.
government
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SOCIETY
POLITICS
Japan Tackles Its Plastic Problem
From Cup Noodles to onigiri wrappers, some major Japanese businesses are taking steps to reduce plastic waste. But many experts say these…
POLITICS
Japan’s Predicted Pension Gap Puts Government on the Defensive
A government report telling citizens they'll need to save big to make it to 95 has Japan anxious - and Prime Minister…
POLITICS
Japan’s Olympics Minister: From Faux Pas to Fired in Two Hours Flat
He was vilified worldwide as the cybersecurity chief who didn't use a computer. But Sakurada Yoshitaka's gaffes didn't stop there...
CULTURE
All About Reiwa, Japan’s New Era
Chosen under intense secrecy, it's sparked a 10-day holiday, a new song, and even a minor crime wave. Learn the meaning behind…
SOCIETY
Why Japan May Outlaw Corporal Punishment
A series of high-profile deaths of kids has led the Abe admin to proffer a ban on corporal punishment. Is this going…
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.
FEATURED
The Fall of Ezo, Japan’s “Samurai Democracy”
How Japan's samurai resistance fell to the pressure of history - and how its leader went from hatred traitor to respected leader.