hokkaido

NEWS

Tourism Is Driving Up Hourly Wages Across Japan. Some Businesses Aren’t Happy

There's good wages to be had in tourism-heavy towns like Niseko and Hakone. But some employers are grousing they can't afford to…

TRAVEL

Tourist in Hokkaido Killed by Train While Trying to Take Picture

The location near Asari Station in Otaru has become a famous "hidden" tourist spot, especially among Chinese travelers.

TRAVEL

Hokkaido Town to Cut Trees Due to Overtourism

Another attraction succumbs to overtourism, as Biei says it'll chop down a cluster of trees that have become a popular photo spot.

JAPANESE LANGUAGE

Is That Japanese Town a “Chou” or a “Machi”?

The character 町 - pronounced either "chou" or "machi" - is common in Japanese town and neighborhood names. But how do you…

RACE IN JAPAN

Civic Group Protests Event Alleging Hate Speech Against the Ainu

A supposed "Ainu History Learning Association" has been holding "learning sessions" that promote disinformation about the indigenous group. Last month, a local…

HISTORY

Iboshi Hokuto: The Legacy of the Ainu Poet-Activist

Spurred by colonialist propaganda that called his people "a dying race," Iboshi Hokuto spent his short life in service to his belief…

CULTURE

Will Ghost of Yōtei Tackle the History of Ainu Discrimination?

Ghost of Yotei, a standalone sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, is due for release next year. Will this game created to explore…

FEATURED

Japan’s Brilliant Fall Foliage: Top Five Viewing Places

Fall is (very slowly) arriving in Japan - and with it comes the changing of the leaves. Here are the best fall…