CULTURE
Morioka’s Sansa Odori Festival Dances the Demon Away
It's a must see event if you'll be in Japan in August. Learn about the history and tradition behind the Morioka Sansa…
history
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CULTURE
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
With Japan’s New Money Out, Whither the 2000 Yen Bill?
There's a lot of excitement around Japan's new money. But what will happen to the increasingly rare 2000 yen bill?
LGBTQ
LGBTQ in Japan: The State of the Law and Society
In 2024, Japan crept closer to equality and acceptance for LGBTQ people. However, full equality still remains out of reach for many.
TRAVEL
Sayonara, Doctor Yellow: Shinkansen Test Train Headed for Retirement
It's said that "seeing it brings happiness." But no more: Japan's famous "Doctor Yellow" diagnostic Shinkansen train is entering retirement.
FOOD
The Most Popular Sushi Ingredients: How Japanese & Foreign Tastes Differ
How does Japan like its sushi? Here are the most popular ingredients for the dish - and how its consumption differs abroad.
SOCIETY
An Empress of Japan? New Poll Shows a Majority Support It
Will the next emperor of Japan be an empress? A new poll shows a clear majority support it - but there are…
BOOK REVIEWS
Review: Takaoka’s Travels – This Surrealist Pilgrimage Delights and Disturbs
A new English translation of Takaoka's Travels by Japanese author Shibusawa Tatsuhiko is a funny, fantastical fever dream.
HISTORY
To Kill a Shogun: The Sad Tale of Minamoto no Sanetomo
In 1219, the shogun Minamoto no Sanetomo, samurai lord of all Japan, was slain on the steps of Tsurugaoka Shrine in Kamakura,…