Culture
Namahage: In Japan’s Akita, Demons Ring in the New Year
The namahage are wild, Krampus-like New Year's mountain gods of Akita Prefecture. But what's the story behind the horns and straw coats?
The latest Japan travel and culture news
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Culture
Business and Economy
Japanese Company Suspends Controversial New “Cat Subscription” Service
A new service called "Cats Unlimited" will suspend operations after accusations that it amounts to a "cat subscription", its company said.
Japanese Language
Beware These False Friends Between English and Japanese!
You may think you know what these words mean in Japanese. Think again! A rundown of the language's most famous "false friends".
Food
Google Translate Fail: Japan Restaurant Tells Customers “Go Away” in Korean
A Korean restaurant in Japan used Google Translate to greet its customers in Korean. They should've just asked an actual Korean person...
Culture
As Adult Age Lowers, Japan’s “Coming of Age” Ceremonies Rebrand
Japan's Coming of Age ceremonies are rebranding thanks to the age of adulthood changing this year from 20 to 18.
News
Terao Saho: Singer-songwriter-essayist floats between real and ethereal
In his newest entry in his "Untranslated" series, Eric Margolis talks with singer-songwriter-essayist Terao Saho to explore her differing approaches to writing…
Culture
Marie Kondo: My Cleaning Method is “Tidying Up the Past”
Don't call it "cleaning": Japanese cleanliness guru Marie Kondo says her "magic" method is more than just mere "tidying up".
Sex & Nightlife
Tokyo Tax Bureau Fires Worker Over Sex Work
A woman who worked for the Tokyo Tax Bureau resorted to sex work to fund her host club habit - and lost…