law

SOCIETY

Is Japan Too Deferential to Parents? Advocates Speak Out After 10-Year-Old’s Death

A second high-profile death of an abused child leaves experts questioning why Japan gives so much credence to the wishes of parents.

POLITICS

Did Japan’s Government Track Dissidents in Okinawa?

Did the Abe government violate Japan's Constitution by tracking opponents of Okinawa's military base? The government denies it - but a Japanese…

CULTURE

Ticket for Monk Driving in Robes is Tossed, But Legal Issues Linger

A monk who sparked an online rebellion gets his fine thrown out - but the issue of whether monks are legally allowed…

SOCIETY

#WaitingOnGod: The Risky Hash Tags Used By Japan’s Runaways

How young Japanese girls are using Twitter to run away from home - and how Japanese police and NPOs are taking action…

ENTERTAINMENT

Illegal Hero? China’s Legally Dubious Ultraman Movies Rile Japanese Fans

A Chinese production company continues releasing Ultraman movies that Ultraman's Japanese producers say are illegal. Are they legitimate - or another Chinese…

FEATURED

A Militarized Japan? The Quest to Revise Article 9 of Japan’s Constitution

Will Japan move from maintaining a pure self-defense force to creating an army that can go on the offensive?

LAW & CRIME

99.9%: Is Japan’s High Conviction Rate a Product of “Hostage Justice”?

The prolonged detention of Carlos Ghosn has led to scrutiny of Japan's 99.9% conviction rate - and the tactics used to maintain…

SOCIETY

Dawn of a New Era: Why Japan’s Calendars Will Change With the New Emperor

When Crown Prince Naruhito becomes Emperor this year, a new era will literally dawn in Japan. Alyssa Pearl Fusek explores the history…