News

HISTORY

Did Japan Nearly Have its Own Prohibition Era?

Japan has a noted drinking culture. Yet, as Japan modernized, a surprising number embraced the foreign concept of alcohol prohibition.

LAW & CRIME

#MeToo in JET: Verdict in Sexual Assault Case

A former JET Program participant who suffered sexual assault has won a civil lawsuit against Nagasaki Prefecture.

LGBTQ

Japan Reacts Fiercely to PM Secretary’s Anti-LGBTQ Remarks

How discriminatory comments by Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's secretary may lead to actual reform on LGBTQ+ issues in Japan.

CULTURE

Japan’s “Mermaid Mummy” Finally Identified via New Research

A team of researchers set out to discover the true identity of a "mermaid mummy" enshrined in a Japanese temple. The result?

FOOD

The Surprising History Of Nagoya’s Spicy “Taiwan” Ramen

It may not actually be from Taiwan, but Nagoya's "Taiwan ramen" is quickly becoming one of the region's most famous dishes.

POLITICS

14% of Local Assemblies in Japan Have Zero Women: Report

A new survey shows that women in Japan are often shut out of government, not just at the national level, but the…

TECHNOLOGY

Twitter-Addicted Japan Laments the Service’s “Ice Age”

A spate of account freezes has Japanese Twitter users lamenting the service's "Ice Age" and once again asking: should we stay or…

CULTURE

The Old Edo Towns of Japan

Want to experience Edo-era Japan? Check out the Koedo areas of Japan that strive to preserve a moment in time.