BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
Unseen Japan Kaiwa 4: An Inconvenient Konbini
Why has the 24-7 Japanese convenience store suddenly become controversial? How critical are such stores to daily life in Japan? And why…
society
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BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
SOCIETY
Too Old to Drive? Mother/Daughter’s Death in Ikebukuro Sparks Debate
The death of a mom and her young daughter at the hands of an elderly driver has sparked anger and recrimination -…
CULTURE
Burakumin: Japan’s Hounded “Untouchables”
While Japan has no formal caste system today, one "underclass" still finds itself routinely hounded and persecuted.
CULTURE
Where Have Japan’s Fashion Subcultures Gone?
Why have wild fashion subcultures largely disappeared from Tokyo's streets? Blame Uniqlo and the Internet.
CULTURE
Aokigahara, Japan’s “Suicide Forest”: Drowning in a Sea of Trees
Why has Aokigahara, a forest full of legend and history, gained notoriety as a haven of death?
SOCIETY
Why Japan May Outlaw Corporal Punishment
A series of high-profile deaths of kids has led the Abe admin to proffer a ban on corporal punishment. Is this going…
SOCIETY
For Japan’s Busted Drug Users, Shame Trumps Treatment
The Japanese actor who voices Olaf in Frozen is viciously shunned after a cocaine bust, leading some to criticize their country's attitude…
POLITICS
Japan Considers Compensation for Forced Sterilization Under Eugenics Law
Japan's eugenics law remained on the books until 1996. Now, the victims are fighting back - and the country's government grapples for…