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
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CULTURE
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.
FEATURED
Sakhalin Island: Japan’s Final Frontier
How Japan's discovery of a large northern island devastated the island's native population - and how Japan lost control when Russia muscled…
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.
CULTURE
Gyaru: The Brazen Fashion Rebellion of 90s Japan
How a rebellion by rich girls against their own status became a rollicking fashion phenomenon.
WOMEN
Hiratsuka Raicho: The Japanese Feminist’s Life and Work
Hiratsuka Raicho was a writer, feminist, and women's liberation activist who played a pivotal role in modern Japan's women's rights movement.
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.