HISTORY
Tanabata in Sendai: An Old-School Star Festival
Tanabata is one of Japan's most famous holidays. In northern Sendai, however, it's a little extra special. Discover the story of one…
News
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HISTORY
FEATURED
The Disappearance of Meiji: Why it’s Hard to Find Tokyo’s Recent Past
In Tokyo, the recent past is often obscured beneath endless concrete. Take a journey through the city's history to discover why.
JAPANESE LANGUAGE
How Nihon Became Japan: The Etymology of Japan in English
Most languages use a variation of the name Japan - except for Japan itself! Learn the etymology of Japan, and the reason…
WOMEN
Japan’s Gender Gap Widens, According to 2022 Global Gender Gap Report
The 2022 annual Global Gender Gap Report by the WEF ranks Japan's gender gap at 116 of 145 countries. What accounts for…
FOOD
Mr. Yakult: Shirota Minoru, the Microbiologist Behind Japan’s Favorite Health Drink
Learn how tragedy inspired Shirota Minoru, father of popular Japanese drink Yakult, to pursue a career in preventive medicine.
POLITICS
In Japan, Anger at Anti-LGBT Booklet Circulated at Ruling LDP Conference
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party courted controversy when it circulated an anti-LGBT tract at a recent pre-election conference.
LGBTQ
Japanese Star SHELLY Defends Trans People in Abortion Remarks
A Japanese talent defends her use of transgender-inclusive language in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade.
NEWS
Abuse in the Geisha World: Former Maiko Speaks Out
A former apprentice geisha at a Kyoto geisha house has created a flurry of online activity after describing abuses in the traditional…