okinawa

JAPANESE LANGUAGE

Is That Japanese Town a “Chou” or a “Machi”?

The character 町 - pronounced either "chou" or "machi" - is common in Japanese town and neighborhood names. But how do you…

SOCIETY

Is The Okinawa “Blue Zone” a Myth?

Okinawa in Japan is touted as a "blue zone" full of long-lived superhumans. But one researcher's work questions these assumptions.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

With Japan’s New Money Out, Whither the 2000 Yen Bill?

There's a lot of excitement around Japan's new money. But what will happen to the increasingly rare 2000 yen bill?

HISTORY

Stolen Ryukyu Artwork, Found in US, Returned to Okinawa

The rediscovery of Ryukyuan artwork lost during the Pacific War offers a ray of hope for those seeking to restore Okinawa's cultural…

TRAVEL

Why Some Japanese Restaurants Insist on “Japanese Language Only”

Here and there in Japan, one sees restaurants putting up signs refusing non-Japanese speakers. Is that necessarily a bad thing?

TRAVEL

Kinsokuchi: Why You Can’t Enter Japan’s Forbidden Places

Looking for a great spot to go on your Japan vacation? Well, don't go to any of THESE places unless you wanna…

LAW & CRIME

Pokémon Cards in Japan Become Nationwide Theft Targets

With the price of Pokémon cards soaring, a string of crimes targeting the trading cards is making waves across Japan.

ENVIRONMENT

Hay Fever in Japan Next Spring May Be Worse Than Ever

Hanami or Hanamizu? Forecasts say hay fever in Japan next year is set to be among the worst ever experienced.