culture

LIVING IN JAPAN

Cancellation Calls for Kurdish Spring Festival in Saitama Renew Tensions

Why a conflict over a spring musical festival is renewing tensions between Kawaguchi and Saitama cities and the local Kurdish population.

TRAVEL

At This Unique Harajuku Cafe, Everyone’s Your Friend

Wanna go to a place where everybody knows your name - or at least pretends to? If so, this cafe in Harajuku…

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Uniqlo Rejuvenates Osaka Flagship Store with New Osaka-esque Designs

From t-shirts to gaudy toilet paper, UNIQLO says "ookini!" once again to Osaka with a new flagship store and locally inspired designs.

FOOD

New Law Threatens Homemade Japanese Pickles (Tsukemono)

Tsukemono (Japanese pickles) are a traditional dietary staple. But could a new law drive drive small mom-and-pop makers out of business?

JAPANESE LANGUAGE

Tako! How Did “Octopus” Become a Japanese Insult?

Did someone just call you an "octopus"? How "tako" became both a fish and an insult in Japanese (spoiler alert: it involves…

TRAVEL

Kinsokuchi: Why You Can’t Enter Japan’s Forbidden Places

Looking for a great spot to go on your Japan vacation? Well, don't go to any of THESE places unless you wanna…

TRAVEL

Is Yamaguchi City Japan’s New Go-To Destination?

A New York Times article puts a spotlight on a hot new destination in Japan. Will the attention given to the spectacular…

TRAVEL

Cherry Blossom Viewing: How to Prepare (Despite Climate Change) – UPDATED with 2024 Forecast

Climate change is making it harder to plan for cherry blossom viewing in Japan than ever. Here's what you need to know…