misinformation

RACE IN JAPAN

Fact Check: No, Muslims Aren’t Burning Down Japan’s Temples and Shrines

A common right-wing trope on Japanese social media alleges a Muslim-led arson wave in Japan that doesn't exist.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Japan Influencer Fact Check: Is Japan Giving Away Businesses for Free?

Businesses in Japan are just waiting for someone to take them over. But as an old Japanese saying goes, nothing's more expensive…

INSIDER

Japan Discovered MSG. Why Do Even Some Japanese Call It “Poison”?

MSG has been pilloried for decades in the United States. But Japan's "additive-free" movement has also labeled glutamate's most prominent supporter a…

SOCIETY

Is Japan REALLY Trying to Ban Saying “Itadakimasu” at Schools?

Japan's "War on Christmas" is a viral online claim framed as an attack on Japanese culture. Just one problem: it isn't true.

INSIDER

Shibuya, Burning: How Japan’s Right Exploits the Information Void to Foster Hate

A Japanese nationalist started a fire in Shibuya Crossing and then fled the scene. Japan's right wing blamed the attack on...foreigners?

LIVING IN JAPAN

Immigrant Crime in Japan Is Dropping as Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric Soars

Right-wingers in Japan claim that the country is becoming more unsafe due to immigrants. The data doesn't back that up.

POLITICS

Japanese Politician Says Tourists Are Kicking Nara’s Deer. But Where’s Her Evidence?

Are foreigners mistreating the deer in Nara? One prominent Japanese politician says so - but the facts don't back her up.

SOCIETY

False Claim of “Muslim Lunches” Makes Japan’s Kitakyushu a Hate Target

No, the city of Kitakyushu isn't offering "Muslim lunches" to students. Other schools in Japan, however, have - and with heartwarming results.