History
Saboru: The Strange Origins of “Cutting Class” in Japanese
Mass strikes, the creation of the 8-hour workday, and an early 20th-century vogue for foreign words - all led to the most…
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History
Entertainment
Tokyo Vice, The Book: We Ask Jake Adelstein Anything (and Everything)
In a continued exclusive for Unseen Japan, Jake Adelstein reflects on writing Tokyo Vice, his true-to-life memoir on the Japanese underworld that…
LGBTQ
FamilyMart Rainbow Socks Arrive In Continuation Of LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Efforts
Last year, the J-Twitter community went gaga over FamilyMart branded socks. Now, the major convenience store chain is back at it again…
History
How Sakura Blossoms Gained Cultural Significance in Japan
The sakura (cherry blossom) is practically synonymous with Japan. Here's a deeper look at the history of this fascinating flower's popularity
Women
UN Women Calls Out Sexualized “Getsuyoubi no Tawawa” Newspaper Ad
A full-page spread run by The Nikkei advertising a popular ecchi manga has caused backlash - including from the New York-based UN…
Entertainment
Tokyo Vice’s Jake Adelstein: Everything You Wanted To Know (But Were Mildly Afraid To Ask)
In an Unseen Japan exclusive, Jake Adelstein, reporter and basis of HBO's new series Tokyo Vice, lays down the facts about his…
Travel
Cherry Blossoms, Miyagi Style: The Shiogama-sakura
On the grounds of Shiogama City's Shiogama Shrine are very special double-cherry blossoms. Here, we introduce you to their story. 💮
Women
Director Sono Sion Sexual Assault Incident Reignites #MeToo Movement in Japan
Recent sexual assault allegations against Japanese director Sono Sion arrive amongst a slew of notable incidents from the Japanese entertainment industry that…