JAPANESE LANGUAGE
You Say Tsuyu, I Say Baiu: How Japanese Jukujikun Make Kanji Even Harder
Why do the same two kanji for Japan's rainy season change pronunciation based on context? Blame the phenomenon known as jukujikun.
weather
JAPANESE LANGUAGE
TRAVEL
Surviving Summer: A Traveler’s Guide to Japan’s New Era of Extreme Heat
You CAN travel to Japan during the summer. It just takes a little preparation. Here are some tips for where to go…
TRAVEL
Check Out the 2026 Cherry Blossom Forecast for Japan
Time to buy your tickets! Here are the predictions for cherry blossoms blooming across Japan so you can time your trip.
LIVING IN JAPAN
As Japan Temps Rise, Are The Trains Too Damn Hot?
Japan's train companies keep some of their cars hotter than others. As climate change advances, riders on social media debate: are the…
NEWS
Are Tokyo Subways Prepared for Floods?
With a vast network of subways and underground shopping malls, the threat of floods in Tokyo is serious. Here's how the city…
NEWS
Beat Toyko’s Heat With These Hidden Underground Train Passages
Trying to stay cool in the blistering Japan heat? Good news! You can get around in Tokyo without leaving the cool confines…
TRAVEL
Do These Summer Heat-Beating Japanese Products Actually Work?
Japan has a slew of products on shelves aimed at dealing with the intense summer heat. Are they worth it?
TRAVEL
Mt. Fuji Claims Four Victims as Hiking Season Starts
Four people have died this year already on Mt. Fuji and even more have needed rescuing. (And the victims don't appear to…