TRAVEL
Japanese Police Shut Down Tourist Sword “Tryouts”
Wanna slice something open with a samurai sword while in Japan? Well, you can't, because the Japanese police are party poopers.
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TRAVEL
CULTURE
Japan’s Proposed New Bicycling Fines Anger Riders
Japan will institute tough new bicycling fines next year. But some cyclists say the country should concentrate on infrastructure instead.
FOOD
Jirō Ramen Asks Customers to Stop “Jirō Harassment” of New Employees
The Kameido store says it's "repulsed" watching senior employees trick juniors into eating their 2,000+-calorie large bowls.
LAW & CRIME
Bold “Dark Part-Time” Thieves in Japan Are Now Stealing From Yakuza
A case in Saga Prefecture tells of a bold new example of "yami-baito" targeting Japan's infamous (and dwindling) crime families.
TRAVEL
Beware The Illegal Barkers in Sapporo’s Susukino District
Sapporo passed a new law against coaxing customers into questionable businesses in 2022. But in 2024, it didn't issue a single fine.
LAW & CRIME
Hyogo Police Compelled 12-Year-Old Girl to Confess to False Report
The incident puts a spotlight on how police interrogation tactics play a role in Japan's lauded 99.9% conviction rate.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Japanese Drug Store Fines Ramen Store Customer, Goes Viral
Cosmos Drug Store nearly sank its reputation attempting to charge a man for parking in what turned out to be a shared…
TRAVEL
American Tourist “Mistakenly” Brings Gun Into Japan
You may experience longer wait times at Japan's arrival ports thanks to one American who forgot he was carrying a firearm.