history

HISTORY

The Colonization of Hokkaido: How a “Foreign” Frontier Became Japan

How a mysterious frontier island peopled by "barbarians" became one of the four main islands of Japan - and how the original…

WOMEN

Ichikawa Fusae: The First Woman of Japanese Politics

In an age when women had few rights, Ichikawa Fusae fought for hers - and used her hard won career to give…

SOCIETY

The Shocking Consequences of Mental Illness Stigma in Japan

Despite having a fairly efficient health care system, Japan lags behind in providing both awareness and support for mentally ill people.

POLITICS

Resistance and Acceptance in the Allied Occupation of Japan

How the Allied Occupation plunged Japan into a national Five Stages of Grief - and how it permanently changed Japanese society and…

CULTURE

Taking Laughter Seriously: A History of Japanese Comedy

How comedy and the concept of laughter in Japan evolved from seriousness to silliness.

ENTERTAINMENT

Illegal Hero? China’s Legally Dubious Ultraman Movies Rile Japanese Fans

A Chinese production company continues releasing Ultraman movies that Ultraman's Japanese producers say are illegal. Are they legitimate - or another Chinese…

FOOD

Rice Flight: Why Japan’s Eating Less Rice Than Ever

Japan is considered synonymous with rice. So why has consumption decreased steadily for decades?

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…