News

HISTORY

Stronger than the Wave: Five Southern Tohoku Folk Traditions

The Tohoku region's endured a lot over the past 200 years. How five rich folk traditions capture the durability and diversity of…

LAW & CRIME

Ito Shiori Wins Second Defamation Lawsuit Against Manga Artist

It wasn't a windfall by any means - but journalist Ito Shiori's second win in court may help other victims of online…

JAPANESE LANGUAGE

What Japan’s Hot New Buzzwords of 2021 Tell Us

A hot YouTube song, gender equality, and the head of the International Olympic Committee all made 2021's list of Japanese buzzwords. Which…

TRAVEL

[Updated] Japan Halts Incoming Flight Bookings Through December – Including for Citizens

The Japanese government announces today that it will halt the sale of tickets for flights inbound to the country for one month…

LIVING IN JAPAN

Kotatsu: Japan’s Way of Staying Warm in Winter

It's kept Japan warm for over 500 years. So why is it disappearing from Japanese homes? A short history of the kotatsu…

SOCIETY

Danchi-Dwellers and Office Denizens: Two More Lesser-Known Tribes of Japan

How post-WWII economics and office culture created two communities whose existence isn't well-known outside of Japan.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Hikidashi-ya: The Shady Business Disguised As Hikikomori Rehabilitation Centers

Hikidashi-ya are self-proclaimed hikikomori “rehabilitation facilities” that claim to be able to treat social withdrawal in children and adults as well as…

POLITICS

The Surprising Reason This Japanese Politician Resigned

Tokyo politician Kinoshita Fumiko's career comes to a screeching halt after it came out that she broke the law...during her re-election.