SOCIETY
Acceptance for “Kira Kira” Names? How Japan’s Koseki Rules May Change
The rise of Japanese "kira kira" names with unexpected kanji readings has sparked controversy over the past few decades. Will altering the…
law
Page 35
SOCIETY
HISTORY
Abortion In Japan: A History
A look at how abortion in Japan evolved throughout the ages, from a financial necessity to a call for the acknowledgment of…
ENTERTAINMENT
Tokyo Vice, The Book: We Ask Jake Adelstein Anything (and Everything)
In a continued exclusive for Unseen Japan, Jake Adelstein reflects on writing Tokyo Vice, his true-to-life memoir on the Japanese underworld that…
LAW & CRIME
Rep. Shiomura Ayaka Pushes Against Teenage Pornography; Colleagues Laugh
Representative Shiomura took to the Diet floor to discuss protecting high schoolers from recruitment into adult videos - and was laughed at…
HISTORY
The Last Samurai Vendetta: The Revenge of Usui Rokuro
In 1873, the newly-minted Meiji government banned the age-old practice of kataki-uchi: blood revenge. Seven years later, the son of a murdered…
LAW & CRIME
With New Regulations, Japan Cracks Down on Elderly Drivers
This year, elderly drivers in Japan over age 75 with traffic violations must meet new requirements if they want to stay on…
LAW & CRIME
Why This Japanese Couple Divorces Every Three Years
Married Japanese couples are prevented by law from having separate last names. But one Tokyo couple has found a clever workaround.
LAW & CRIME
Nevada-Tan: Japan’s Murderer Turned Internet Trend
Her case made national headlines - and became a cult sensation. What happened to "Nevada-tan"? And how has the victim's family coped?