BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
Japan’s Rice Crisis is Over, But Consumers and Farmers Aren’t Feeling It
Remember when rice disappeared from Japan’s store shelves in 2024? The Reiwa Rice Crisis is over, but neither farmers nor consumers are…
inflation
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
TRAVEL
Why Japan’s New “Sleeper Shinkansen” is a Big Hit with Japanese Women
A "sleeper" run of JR Central's Tokaido shinkansen was a huge hit. It also offered something other shinkansen don't: safety for women.
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…
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…