law

INSIDER

[Insider] Japan’s Polls on an Empress Miss an Important Distinction

Princess Aiko is very popular. Many wouldn't mind her becoming Empress. But critics say the polls are misleading. And they're right.

WOMEN

Tokyo Court: Employer Had “No Duty” To Stop Sexual Harassment at After-Work Drinking Party

A lack of evidence and the quasi-official nature of nomikai led a court to rule against a company that tried to do…

CULTURE

Would You Live in a ‘Jiko Bukken’? Over Half in Japan Say Yes – If the Price Is Right

While such properties have long been stigmatized, attitudes may be changing as the cost of everything rises.

INSIDER

[Insider] Japan Is Sick to Death of Bicyclists Behaving Badly

Japanese police are doling out fines to misbehaving cyclists. Many on Japanese social media say it’s about damn time.

LAW & CRIME

Japanese Celeb Held By Police for 10 Days Over Combini Sandwich Theft

Why many Japanese social media users are decrying the long detention of actress Sakaguchi Anri as excessive and unwarranted.

LAW & CRIME

Tokyo Pokémon Center Murder Highlights Gaps in Japan’s Stalking Law

Critics say that police and prosecutors could have done more to monitor the murderer after he was released from jail after paying…

TRAVEL

Kyoto City May Partially Ban Vacation Rentals to Give Residents Tourist Relief

The city's mayor won't rule out creating "zero-day vacation rental" zones in residential areas in response to chronic complaints.

WOMEN

Tokyo Court Denies Japanese Women’s Right to Sterilization Surgery

Five women in their 20s and 30s challenged a 1996 law that prevents them from controlling their own biology.