western media Archives - Unseen Japan

Japan City to Give Kids Free Lunches by Taking Money from 100-Year-Olds

A city in Gifu Prefecture wants to give middle schoolers free lunches. However, it's sparked a debate by saying it'll fund the project by ending a 100K yen prize it gives to people who manage to live to age 100.

Report: Japanese Female Company Presidents Set Record, Still Under 10%

Good news! There are more female company presidents in Japan than ever before. The bad news? That number is still pathetically low - a mere 8.4%, according to a new report.

Tottori Station Will (Finally!) Get Automated Ticket Gates in 2025

It's a common trope that "Japan is living in the future." But did you know the country still has some train stations where you need a physical ticket? Next year, JR West will (finally) install IC card gates at Tottori Station, the last station it runs that still collects paper passes.

Hotel District in Osaka Paints Street Yellow to Deter Prostitution

Street prostitution is on the rise in most major cities in Japan. Police and city leaders in Osaka had a unique idea for deterring the practice in the Umeda hotel district: paint the road a gaudy yellow. At least for now, they say, that plan seems to be working.

FamilyMart Will Give Over 10K Famichiki Away as School Lunches

Deck the school halls with Famichiki? FamilyMart is making headlines today with its announcement of a very Japanese Christmas-themed giveaway, as it says it'll distribute over 10,000 of its boneless fried chicken fillets as free school lunches in the city of Sayama.

Sanrio to Open “Unique” New Museum in Yamanashi Prefecture

Sanrio fans rejoice! The company has announced it's opening a new and "unique" museum in 2025 in Kai, Yamanashi Prefecture for Hello Kitty, My Melody and gang. The new facility is partially an homage to Sanrio founder Tsuji Shintaro, a Yamanashi native.

Tag: western media