The latest Japan travel and culture news

History

Hanafuda: How a Banned Card Game Defined the Pre-Pokémon Era

Before Mario, Nintendo sold hanafuda cards to the yakuza. Read the 400-year forbidden history of the flower cards that tricked the Shogun.

Sex & Nightlife

Japanese Sex Toy Firm Tenga Suffers US Data Breach

The company took pains to reassure its Japanese customer base that information about their masturbatory habits was safe.

Food

Japan’s Ramen Shops Repel Women. One Store Wants to Change That

70% of women surveyed in Japan don't feel comfortable going into a ramen shop alone. Here's why - and how one store…

Insider

[Insider] Where Will Japan’s Bruised Opposition Go After Takaichi’s Big Win?

PM Takaichi secured a supermajority in the Lower House election as the opposition fractured. What comes next for Japan’s politics?

Entertainment

Swimsuit Snow Performance Lands Japanese Idols in Hot Water (and They Don’t Give a F$*!)

Planck Stars isn't a group to shy away from controversy. Indeed, it seems to be reveling in its latest affront to Japanese…

Entertainment

Why a 20-Year-Old Japanese Racing Idol Went Searching For a 50-Year-Old Fan

It's common for fans to become obsessed with their idols. But what happens when an idol is worried about one of her…

Food

Edomae Sushi: A Classic Take on a Modern Dish

Sushi is popular around the world. But if you're not down with eating fish totally raw, Edomae sushi offers an alternative.

Travel

Japan’s Best Mountain Towns for a Peaceful Getaway

Want to get away from it all on your trip to Japan? We ranked the best mountain towns that offer culture without…