racism Archives - Unseen Japan

Grand hotel lobby with a large crystal chandelier, dark marble columns, and armchairs on a patterned marble floor

A Tokyo Hotel Asked for Her Japanese Name. She Sued Instead

A Zainichi Korean woman is suing a hotel in Tokyo after they refused to let her check in under her Korean name.

France, Paris, huge sculpture bearing the likeness of Yayoi Kusama has been erected on rue du Pont Neuf, between the headquarters of Maison Louis Vuitton

How Kusama Yayoi’s Death Puts a Spotlight on Japan’s “Whiteness Problem”

The death of Japanese artist Kusama Yayoi prompted many English-language social media users to revisit her racist screeds. Japanese users, for the…

Stone entrance pillar of Hokkaido University engraved with a nameplate reading 北海道大学, beside a wrought-iron gate

RACE IN JAPAN

Hokkaido University Apologizes for a Century of Ainu Remains Research

After many years of calling its actions "extremely regrettable," Hokkaido University has finally apologized for how it handled Ainu remains.

Collage of author Yu Miri in glasses beside her book covers, including the English edition of Tokyo Ueno Station

RACE IN JAPAN

Award-Winning Author Yu Miri Harassed Online After Criticizing Japanese Government

Yu Miri is one of Japan's most celebrated authors. Yet some feel that, due to her background, she has no right to…

Japan's National Diet building in Tokyo, seen from the front gate on a clear day

RACE IN JAPAN

Hundreds Rally at Japan’s Diet Against Anti-Foreigner Politics

The rallies are a response to both anti-foreign sentiment and specific policies, such as changes to the business manager visa.

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…

A convenience-store clerk in a blue apron scans a receipt at the cash register

RACE IN JAPAN

A Nepali Konbini Clerk Foiled a Scam in Japan, Even as Politicians Cast Foreigners as Threat

A 24-year-old Nepali convenience-store clerk in Kobe sensed an elderly customer was being scammed and stepped in.

Butter and Hooked by Yuzuki Asako; translated by Polly Barton

INSIDER

A Famous Japanese Novelist Dumps Her Publisher After Discriminatory Column

Yuzuki Asako's former publisher has a history of running inflammatory columns. The latest was the last straw for the author.