culture

JAPANESE LANGUAGE

Giccho?! Here Are Some Dead Japanese Words That Only Old Folks Use

You may still hear these words or see them in print - but you won't hear them come from the mouth of…

CULTURE

A Small Look Into Jakarta’s Little Tokyo

Nestled amongst the busy streets of Indonesia's capital of Jakarta is an intriguing bit of Japan. Welcome to Blok M, Jakarta's Little…

TRAVEL

Check Out Japan’s Five Best-Hidden Travel Cities

Want to avoid the crowds on your Japan trip? One travel company recommends these five cities based on its data.

TRAVEL

Frustrated Kyoto Temple Declares Co-Existing With Tourists “Impossible”

The temple's head priest later softened his comments, saying tourists should be educated about "unwritten culture" before entering Japan.

CULTURE

Here’s Why Kyoto Schools Are No Longer Bossing Students Around at Exam Time

Kyoto schools have made a change to hallroom announcements, acknowledging that "please" and "thank you" are indeed the magic words

LIVING IN JAPAN

Why a Backyard BBQ in Japan Might Bring The Cops to Your Door

Can you BBQ in your backyard in Japan? One Chinese resident learned the hard way that what's legal isn't necesarily considered polite.

LAW & CRIME

Japanese Pro Snowboarder Rides Through Shinto Shrine, Sparking Debate

It's not just foreigners being obnoxious. Some in Sapporo are fuming after a Japanese snowboarder used a shrine as a slope.

TRAVEL

“Nothing But a Castle”: Nagoya Left Behind in Japan’s Tourism Rush

While some locals may not mind, businesses and city leaders are disappointed tourists are sleeping on one of Japan's most populous cities.