LIVING IN JAPAN
“Katakana Hell”: The Culture Shocks Japan’s Asian Immigrants Actually Face
What surprises Asian immigrants in Japan? From corporate jargon to the country's famously indirect "no," there's a lot to navigate.
religion
LIVING IN JAPAN
CULTURE
Pentagrams and Boulder Gods: Japan’s Shrines That Break the Mold
A boulder as an object of worship. A "breakup shrine" that's a stone covered in papers. Meet the Shinto shrines that defy…
CULTURE
Why There’s an 11-Meter Goddess Inside This Tokyo Department Store
It's impossible to miss: a soaring goddess ensconced inside a paragon of capitalism. What inspired a sculptor to carve this mysterious figure…
CULTURE
Muslim Burial in Japan: Government Surveys Cities as Tensions Rise
Plans for Muslim burial grounds in Japan face local resistance and racist threats as the country's Muslim population doubles.
TRAVEL
A Quick Guide to Japan’s Best Ancient Pilgrimage Trails
In contrast to Japan's big cities, the country's ancient pilgrimage trails offer a radically different (and quieter) experience.
TRAVEL
Unseen Shimane: Despite Japan’s Tourism Boom, the “Land of the Gods” Ranks Last
As tourists create overcrowded conditions across Japan, one of the country's most spiritually symbolic prefectures remains overlooked.
INSIDER
The LDP/Kōmeitō Breakup: How Japan Fell Into Political Freefall
After 26 years together, the LDP and Kōmeitō have split. That leaves the looming question: What comes next?
POLITICS
How Religion and Politics Are Intertwined in Japan
Some say that Japan isn't religious. You wouldn't conclude that by looking at the country's political parties, though.