CULTURE
Japan Doesn’t Trust JR East’s Suica Mascot Vote. Blame the Takanawa Gateway Affair
JR East is letting riders vote on its new mascot. But some expressed skepticism that their opinion would be taken seriously.
osaka expo
CULTURE
TECHNOLOGY
Japan Is Betting That Tourists Want…NFTs?!
The world has moved on from the NFT scam. Japan, however, thinks it's found a nifty new tool to promote regional tourism.
ENTERTAINMENT
Why a Marcille Cosplay at Osaka Expo Resulted in Death Threats
A Japanese cosplayer opened up recently about the slander and threats she received for appearing at Expo as the popular character.
SOCIETY
Osaka Expo Shop Stops Sale of Drink Tied to Controversial Unification Church
The existence at Expo of the carbonated barley drink, whose parent company is almost wholly owned by the Church, caused an online…
INSIDER
Could Osaka Expo Go Up in Smoke?
A World Expo. A worrying quantity of methane gas. Nicotine addicts with no place to go. What could possibly go wrong?
SOCIETY
Osaka Expo Explains Why Security Guard Made Groveling Bow to Attendee
Why did a security guard do a deeply humiliating bow to an Osaka Expo attendee? Officials say it was because the guard…
FEATURED
“Osaka Expo Sucks” Trends as Long Lines, No Wifi, and a Crappy App Mar Opening
Long entrance lines, an eight-hour wait for sushi, and other planning catastrophes further marred an event that came pre-marred.
CULTURE
Osaka City Bans Public Smoking, Joining Other Japanese Cities
If you got 'em, don't smoke 'em unless you're in one of Osaka City's designated smoking spots - or you'll pay a…