SOCIETY
“The Meal-Skipping Crowd”: Cute Japanese Gen Z Slang, or a Sign of Japan’s Poverty?
Are young people skipping meals because they don't want to eat? Or are they just too broke? The data paints a complex…
inflation
SOCIETY
WOMEN
In Japan, Sanitary Pads Are Getting Pricier. In Korea, They’re Going Free
A viral post blamed Japan's first female prime minister for higher pad costs, highlighting a highly controversial political topic.
WOMEN
Working Mothers Now Exceed 81% of Japanese Households With Kids, a Record
Working mothers have hit their highest record ever in Japan. But that's not necessarily a sign of growing equality.
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
Calbee Strips Color From Its Potato Chip Bags as Iran Crisis Reaches Japan’s Snack Aisles
Starting May 25, Calbee will ship 14 of its flagship snacks, including Potato Chips and Kappa Ebisen, in austere black-and-white bags. The…
FOOD
Natto-ku Dekinai! Price of Japan’s Stinky National Food Spikes
Japan's two biggest natto makers are hiking prices on the nation's beloved fermented soybeans.
FOOD
250 Yen?! Super Cheap Ramen in Japan Draws Mixed Reactions
The cheap bowls are a relief to some trying to stretch their money in difficult times. To others, however, they're a warning…
FOOD
Why Konbini May Become a Tourist Luxury in Japan
As inflation keeps rising in Japan, more residents are deciding that there are better ways to spend their money.
CULTURE
What’s Japan Doing for Christmas? Here’s Why Many Say…Nothing
It's beginning to look a lot less like Christmas in Japan. Here's why many say this year they'll be tuning out of…