law

LGBTQ

Osaka High Court: Japan’s Family Registry Discriminates Against Non-Binary People

An Osaka High Court ruling found that Japan's gender-binary family register violates Article 14 of the Japanese Constitution. But it dismissed the…

TRAVEL

Japan Drafts Dual Pricing Guidelines as Himeji Castle Posts Big Revenue Bump

As more tourist hot spots look at dual pricing, Japan's government prepares rules to ensure it's implemented legally.

WOMEN

Japanese Con Cafe Worker Called “Hero” for Stabbing Train Groper with Safety Pin

A con cafe worker's tweet about stabbing a groper's hand with a safety pin on her morning commute drew near-universal praise.

SOCIETY

ADHD Medication Shortage in Japan Leaves Patients Scrambling

It's especially bad news for users who live outside of major cities, where the medication can be harder to obtain.

HISTORY

Sapporo Lets “Ainu Aren’t Indigenous” Panel Exhibit Run – Again – Despite Opposition

The city of Sapporo cleared a display that denies the legal status of the Ainu - and that appears to violate anti-discrimination…

NEWS

Japan Mandates Cashew Nut Labeling as Allergies Surge

New requirements in Japan to label products with cashews are good news for both residents and tourists. But why did it take…

SEX & NIGHTLIFE

21 Soaplands Shut Overnight, Leaving Japanese Sex Workers High and Dry

The incident highlights the shift in sex-related businesses in Japan - and the precarious situation of sex workers.

SEX & NIGHTLIFE

Japanese Women Increasingly Trafficked Overseas for Sex Work by Scout Groups

The groups have made a killing by recruiting financially vulnerable women. Ordinary Japanese travelers are feeling the blowback.