law

CULTURE

Why 3,000 People in Japan Claim the Imperial Palace Is Their Home

Japan's registered domicile law means that, when you get married, you can claim you hail from anywhere in the country. And many…

LAW & CRIME

Is This Sex Offender Map in Japan Legal?

Japan still has no official sexual offender database. Someone just launched one - and experts say it may well be illegal.

FEATURED

Murder of Japanese Woman During Livestream Yields Sympathy – For The Murderer

Sato Airi, a 22yo livestreamer known as Mogami Ai, was murdered in Tokyo during a stream. So why are people feeling sorry…

LGBTQ

Nagoya High Court Rules Lack of Marriage Equality in Japan Unconstitutional

It's the fourth straight ruling for advocates of marriage equality in recent years. The question is: will it lead to change?

SEX & NIGHTLIFE

New Law Would Restrict Japan’s Host Clubs From Pushing Customers Into Prostitution, Adult Films

The law would also raise penalties for both individuals and businesses, making it easier to shut down manipulative clubs for good.

LAW & CRIME

Young Woman in Hokkaido Gets 23 Years for Vicious Murder of 17-Year-Old

Konishi Yuka, who was 19 at the time of the crime, admitted to her role in the murder. The victim's family called…

LAW & CRIME

Hokkaido Man Asks for Money at Combini, Gets Arrested

The man wasn't drunk and didn't threaten anyone or brandish a weapon - his only crime appears to be being poor.

SOCIETY

Poll: Over Half of Married Japanese Women Wanted to Keep Their Maiden Names

Politicians are still duking out the merits of changing the Meiji-era law forcing joint spousal surnames.