The latest Japan travel and culture news

Business and Economy

Guaranteed Sick Days in Japan Are Not a Thing

While some companies offer them, Japan as a whole doesn't give workers guaranteed sick days. That's complicating its complicated response to COVID-19.

Women

Cinderella Weight: A Deadly Standard for Japanese Women

A Twitter trend from 2018 has more than a few Japanese women chasing their "Cinderella weight." Health experts in Japan say that's…

Japanese Language

Japanese Language Classes are Awesome. Here’s How to Start

Thanks to the Internet, Japanese language classes are within most everyone's reach. Learn how they can help improve your Japanese.

Book Reviews

Underground: The Stories of Japan’s Sarin Attack Victims

How the Murakami Haruki book UNDERGROUND captured the impact of the Tokyo sarin subway attack on survivors.

Politics

Cherry Blossom Party: Hotel Casts Doubt on Abe’s Defense

ANA Hotel's comments directly contradict Abe Shinzo's latest defense against impropriety in the cherry blossom viewing party scandal.

Culture

National Foundation Day: Japan’s Forgotten Holiday

For some, it's a holiday full of nationalistic significance. But most people don't even known when it is. A short history of…

Society

Disease Specialist Kicked Off of Diamond Princess

Professor Iwata Kentaro of Kobe University discusses why he was kicked off the Diamond Princess - and why what he saw alarmed…

Living in Japan

Japanese Banks: A Guide for Foreign Residents

Why foreign residents and local business experts alike find Japanese banks dated - and how it's changing (slowly) for the better.