SOCIETY
Acceptance for “Kira Kira” Names? How Japan’s Koseki Rules May Change
The rise of Japanese "kira kira" names with unexpected kanji readings has sparked controversy over the past few decades. Will altering the…
society
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SOCIETY
HISTORY
Abortion In Japan: A History
A look at how abortion in Japan evolved throughout the ages, from a financial necessity to a call for the acknowledgment of…
JAPANESE LANGUAGE
Yabai (やばい) Meaning: 24 Ways It’s Actually Used in Japanese
There's no word quite like "yabai" in Japanese - an extremely popular slang term that can mean anything from "awful" to "risky"…
LGBTQ
Tokyo Rainbow Pride Protest Raises Questions About LGBTQ-Friendly Workplace Policies
A certain realization led one Tokyo Rainbow Pride participant to protest, and call attention to one company's much-needed policy updates.
ENTERTAINMENT
Tokyo Vice, The Book: We Ask Jake Adelstein Anything (and Everything)
In a continued exclusive for Unseen Japan, Jake Adelstein reflects on writing Tokyo Vice, his true-to-life memoir on the Japanese underworld that…
LGBTQ
FamilyMart Rainbow Socks Arrive In Continuation Of LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Efforts
Last year, the J-Twitter community went gaga over FamilyMart branded socks. Now, the major convenience store chain is back at it again…
ENTERTAINMENT
Tokyo Vice’s Jake Adelstein: Everything You Wanted To Know (But Were Mildly Afraid To Ask)
In an Unseen Japan exclusive, Jake Adelstein, reporter and basis of HBO's new series Tokyo Vice, lays down the facts about his…
SOCIETY
In Japan, Rental Family Services Let You Hire Actors to Play Family Roles
Would you hire a stranger to be your spouse or your parent? For some in Japan, the rental family is the answer…