FEATURED
Blood Oaths and Seppuku: The “Beautiful Death” of Author Mishima Yukio
What drove one of Japan's most acclaimed authors to raise a personal militia, and take a high-ranking general hostage in an attempted…
history
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FEATURED
HISTORY
Man of Masks: The Strange Life of Author Mishima Yukio
A youth who found excitement only in books, Mishima Yukio became a brilliant author who challenged his country's sexual mores - until…
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
Japan’s New Currency: Who’s On the 2024 Yen Notes?
Japan may be pivoting to a cashless society, but cash is still king - and the figures chosen for its new currency…
CULTURE
A 10-Day Vacation: Behind Japan’s Epic “Golden Week”
How did Japan's notoriously long yearly holiday get even longer? Inside the holidays that make up Golden Week.
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
MUJI: Is Japan’s “Brand-less” Brand Taking Over the World?
With stores popping up globally, copycats abounding in China, and even a hotel in Ginza, MUJI is on a roll. What's the…
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…
HISTORY
Karafuto: How Japan Gained – and Lost – a Prefecture
The story of how, for a brief period of time, the island of Karafuto controlled by Russia became an official part of…
CULTURE
Burakumin: Japan’s Hounded “Untouchables”
While Japan has no formal caste system today, one "underclass" still finds itself routinely hounded and persecuted.