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Sentiment analysis

What Japan Thinks

Each entry analyzes how Japanese audiences are reacting to a story or topic on social media — sentiments, themes, and the takes you won't get from English-language sources.

  1. What Japan Thinks: Users Sounds Off on Suntory’s Mysterious “NOPE” Soda

    Suntory's new "Guilty Soda NOPE" -- a carbonated drink blending 99 fruits and spices -- went viral in Japan after an Osaka food blogger tried it and admitted he had no idea what it tasted like. His followers…

  2. What Japan Thinks: Japanese People Are Sleeping Less in Order to Have a Life

    Japan has ranked last in the world for average sleep duration for four years straight. When the 2026 ResMed World Sleep Survey results hit social media, the response was less shock than exhausted recognition. We analyzed 143 replies…

  3. What Japan Thinks: 99% of School Staff in City Object to 7am Start Time

    When the city of Takasaki, Gunma announced it would open all 58 of its elementary schools at 7:00 a.m. to help working parents, 99 percent of school staff surveyed said no. The story exploded on social media, generating…

  4. What Japan Thinks: Unification Church Contemplates Rebranding Itself

    Former Unification Church leaders are considering forming a new organization after the group's court-ordered dissolution. We analyzed 100 Japanese X (Twitter) comments in response to the Yahoo News Japan announcement. The dominant reaction: outrage that a "zombie organization"…

  5. What Japan Thinks: Are Smartphone Bans in Restaurants a Good Idea?

    On April 1, Niboshi Ranbu (煮干乱舞), a ramen shop in Takesato, Saitama Prefecture, went viral after announcing a ban on smartphone use during meals.

  6. What Japan Thinks: Clothing Company for Large-Chested Women Will Block Men on Social Media

    Japanese women's apparel brand overE announced it would preemptively block male accounts from its X (Twitter) page, citing repeated sexual harassment of customers and staff. We analyzed 52 replies to the viral post and found overwhelming public support…

  7. What Japan Thinks: Actress Hirosue Ryoko’s Attempted Comeback Draws Loud Jeers

    Actress Ryoko Hirosue announced her entertainment comeback on April 1st, after a string of high-profile incidents including a 180km/h highway crash and a hospital altercation. We analyzed 200 Japanese social media comments to see how the public actually…

  8. What Japan Thinks: Japanese Object to Fukuoka City Sending Names to the Self-Defense Forces

    A viral tweet by investigative journalist Kiyoshi Shimizu sparked outrage after revealing that Fukuoka City — and dozens of other municipalities — share the personal data of 18- and 22-year-olds with the Self-Defense Forces for recruitment, without explicit…

  9. What Japan Thinks: Cashew Nuts Must Finally Be Declared on Food Labels in Japan

    Japan made cashew nut allergy labeling mandatory on April 1, 2026. We analyzed 66 X replies to NHK and Livedoor News to see how the public reacted — and found broad support, with a recurring note of surprise…