JAPANESE LANGUAGE
The “Dead” Slang Words a Japanese Dictionary Officially Killed
In English, words are rarely deleted from dictionaries. So why in 2021 did a Japanese dictionary publisher give 1,100 words the boot?
heisei
JAPANESE LANGUAGE
HISTORY
The Geisha Who Took Down a Prime Minister
In 1989, Uno Sōsuke burst onto the scene as the new prime minister of Japan. Only 69 days later, he'd resign -…
CULTURE
Loose Socks and the Rise of the “Heisei Retro” Trend
Wanna feel old? The Heisei Era just ended and it's already considered "retro". A look at loose socks and other Heisei "throwbacks".
SOCIETY
Dawn of a New Era: Why Japan’s Calendars Will Change With the New Emperor
When Crown Prince Naruhito becomes Emperor this year, a new era will literally dawn in Japan. Alyssa Pearl Fusek explores the history…
ENTERTAINMENT
Manga Artist Sakura Momoko, Chibi Maruko-chan Creator, Dead at 53
The author of the manga behind one of Japan's most long-running animes is dead of breast cancer at the young age of…
TECHNOLOGY
Daylight Savings and the Emperor’s Abdication Have Japan IT Freaking Out
A double whammy posed by two looming events has Japan's IT community wondering how they'll ever be able to test their code…