TRAVEL
Ashiya: How to Visit Japan’s Most Exclusive Small Town
Ashiya, a leafy enclave between Osaka and Kobe, carries a cachet no other Japanese town quite matches: old money, hillside mansions, and…
osaka
TRAVEL
TRAVEL
Minoh: Discover Forest Trails, Temples, and Autumn Colors Beyond Osaka
Tired of the crowds in Osaka City? Enjoy some fresh air, a slower pace of life, and local delicacies in nearby Minoh.
JAPANESE LANGUAGE
Why This Japanese Phrase from Kansai Sounds Strange to the Rest of Japan
It's a phrase that confuses Tokyoites. But to many in the Kansai region, it's a daily expression rooted in the region's unique…
LGBTQ
Osaka High Court: Japan’s Family Registry Discriminates Against Non-Binary People
An Osaka High Court ruling found that Japan's gender-binary family register violates Article 14 of the Japanese Constitution. But it dismissed the…
TRAVEL
Surviving Summer: A Traveler’s Guide to Japan’s New Era of Extreme Heat
You CAN travel to Japan during the summer. It just takes a little preparation. Here are some tips for where to go…
LIVING IN JAPAN
Nara Deer Move Themselves to Osaka – and Nara Doesn’t Want Them Back
There are too many deer in Nara Park. To remedy the situation, it seems at least a few of the creatures are…
LAW & CRIME
Japanese Cosplayer on Trial for Mutilating Partner
A Japanese cosplayer appeared in court wearing panda pajamas as she reversed her not-guilty plea on charges of mutilating her boyfriend.
TRAVEL
Osaka Ramen Shop Threatens to Ban Chinese Customers After Two-Tier Pricing Dispute
Social media users in Japan have accused the store of discrimination and of "embarrassing" Japan with its blatant double pricing.