SOCIETY
Japan’s Cat Islands: Good for Tourists (But Bad for Cats)
Japan's cat islands may seem adorable, but the country's cat epidemic threatens human health. Writer Alyssa Pearl Fusek discusses Japan's belated response…
society
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SOCIETY
CULTURE
The Evolution of Japan’s Love Hotels
Why do love hotels exist in Japan? And how have they evolved to change with the times? Krys Suzuki examines the 400-year…
CULTURE
A Japanese City’s “Banana Princess” Returns
A popular city mascot resumes her vaunted role. Learn about Japan's history of "discount banana hawking", and how it gave birth to…
SOCIETY
Is Japan Really THAT Clean?
The stereotype holds that Japan is a meticulously clean country. Emma Ford looks at the difference between public and private behavior, and…
SOCIETY
Kodokushi: Why Dying Alone in Japan Is On The Rise
An aging population means more Japanese are dying alone in their homes, which had led to a booming clean-up industry. Can anything…
FEATURED
Religion in Japan: A Complex and Intricate Affair
Why, in a country littered with shrines and temples, does the majority of the population claim to practice no religion?
CULTURE
Respect for the Aged Day: Its Origins and Celebration in Japan
What is Respect for the Aged Day? An overview of Japan's national holiday, including its origins and related cultural myths.
SOCIETY
Japanese Business Experts Decry Japan’s “Customer is God” Mentality
Japan's customer service is world famous, but some Japanese commentators wonder whether the country has gone too far.