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LGBTQ

Tokyo Court Awards Damages to Outed Transgender Author

Award-winning author Li Kotomi won a small but symbolic ruling against a lawyer who had been involved in the Aum Shinrikyo trials.

WOMEN

Pink Tax, Japan: Social Media Users Ask Why Women Get Upcharged

The term "pink tax" hasn't trended much in Japan. That changed recently as women went online to compare notes on the subtle…

CULTURE

When Plushies Take a Seat: Japan’s “Nuikatsu” Boom Collides With Restaurant Manners

A couple of viral incidents online highlight how some restaurants are struggling to handle customers bringing their stuffed +1s.

SEX & NIGHTLIFE

In Japan, Oshikatsu is Fostering an Underage Sex Work Pipeline

Oshikatsu has girls turning to sex work to give money to their favorite performers. Some are as young as 15.

SOCIETY

Is Japan REALLY Trying to Ban Saying “Itadakimasu” at Schools?

Japan's "War on Christmas" is a viral online claim framed as an attack on Japanese culture. Just one problem: it isn't true.

TRAVEL

The Most Common Japan Travel Regrets – and How to Avoid Them

Enjoying your time in Japan requires knowing a few things that don't go viral. Here's what we've learned from working with our…

INSIDER

[Insider] “Utility Pole Girls”: Japanese Media Has a Demeaning New Buzzword for Women

A survey of 3,000 women found 58% identified with the phenomenon. But it's the label that has people riled up.

FOOD

Nekomanma: The “Ill-Mannered” Japanese Food That Used to be a Commonfolk Staple

Is pouring miso soup onto rice bad manners? It is in modern Japan. But this "cat food" was a commoner staple for…