health

SOCIETY

Japan Researchers Make Breakthrough Link Between Baths and Happiness

No need to be shy about taking extra soaks in the tub. A research team in Japan says more bath time may…

LIVING IN JAPAN

Beware the Bed Bugs on Your Next Japan Trip

A new strain of insecticide-resistant bed bug is bugging Japan after making stops in France and Korea. Here's what you need to…

LAW & CRIME

Japan Bans Cannabis Gummies After Multiple Hospitalizations

Japan's already strict marijuana laws just became stricter after some candies landed a bunch of people in the hospital.

FOOD

Natto-Smelling Muffins Make a Stink at Tokyo Design Festa

A set of stinky muffins that smelled like a classic (and stinky) Japanese food caused an online stir - and even elicited…

POLITICS

Japan To Give Out Coupons for New Moms

Will handing out coupons to new moms stop Japan's declining population? The Japanese government sure hopes so. But other signs signal the…

CULTURE

Tokyo’s Kabukicho is Infested With Rats. No, We Mean, Literally.

There are rats in Kabukicho. (And no, we don't mean the ones in the host clubs.) Now people have taken to feeding…

LGBTQ

Japan’s Supreme Court Strikes Down Law Requiring Sterilization for Gender Change

In a major win for transgender people in Japan, the country's high court has struck down a law requiring sterilization for gender…

NEWS

Japan Bans Foie Gras Imports From France As Mass Bird Flu Vaccinations Commence

As bird flu cases spread in locations worldwide, Japan has ceased imports of French foie gras - once a popular delicacy in…