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ONE PIECE Nets Earthquake-Struck Region Japan’s Largest Tourist Increase
After Kumamoto's devastating earthquake in 2016, ONE PIECE mangaka Oda Eichiro set sail on a quest to revitalize his hometown.
tourism
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More Tokyo Trains Are Supporting Credit Card Touch Payments
Is this another stake in the heart of Japan's beloved IC cards? Several Tokyo train companies announce credit card tap payment support.
FOOD
First Saizeriya in Japan Will Be Scrapped, Thanks to Developers
Saizeriya, Japan's famous Italian-esque restaurant chain, is losing its first-ever store in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture.
TRAVEL
Japan’s Duty-Free System For Tourists Will Change to Refunds in November 2026
Japan's planning to change how tourists shop: the country's new duty-free laws will now require requesting a refund at the airport.
TRAVEL
“China-fication” of Japan? New 10-Year Visa for Wealthy Chinese Tourists Stirs Backlash
A plan to extend the current five-year visitor visa to 10 years for China's elite has many on Japan's far right up…
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Onsen City in Japan That Gets 85x More Tourists Than Residents Institutes New Rules
A popular onsen in Yamagata Prefecture brings in so much traffic that the city has instituted new rules to reduce congestion.
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
Why This Bookstore in Tokyo is Charging Admission
Would you pay to shop in a bookstore? Many in Japan would. Here's why Bunkitsu and other admission-based bookstores are booming.
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Expo 2025 Can’t Sell Tickets, Might Need Japanese Taxpayer Bailout
Will the World Expo 2025 in Osaka be a financial bust? It's trending that way - and Japanese taxpayers might be on…