The latest Japan travel and culture news

Business and Economy

67% in Sapporo Oppose 2030 Winter Olympics in New Survey

Here we go again? Sapporo is bidding for the 2030 Winter Olympics - but, much like the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, few residents…

LGBTQ

87% in Japan Say Sexual Diversity Should Be Honored: Survey

A new survey shows support for businesses with LGBTQ+-positive messaging - and a surprising level of support for sexual diversity in general.

Politics

Japanese Lawmaker Who Threatened to Punch Taxi Driver Resigns

Kumamoto Prefecture legislator Ide Nobuo is no stranger to controversy. But it looks like, this time, he went one step too far.

Travel

Tourist Areas in Japan Struggle with Ill-Mannered Visitors

Various spots in Japan - including a rail crossing made famous by the manga Slam Dunk - are dealing with obnoxious tourists.…

Culture

Loose Socks and the Rise of the “Heisei Retro” Trend

Wanna feel old? The Heisei Era just ended and it's already considered "retro". A look at loose socks and other Heisei "throwbacks".

Law & Crime

Man in Japan Prosecuted for Overly Long Scissors

0.86 centimeters. That's all it took for a man in Osaka to be arrested for a pair of scissors a cop found…

Society

How Gender Bias Keeps Japanese Girls Out of STEM

Why are there so few women in STEM fields in Japan? Yuko Tamura argues that the bias starts before girls even turn…

Entertainment

Hirano Aya’s Harassment in the Anime Industry All Too Common

Death Note voice actress Hirano Aya talked recently about threats against her life. Sadly, her story isn't a rare case in the…