technology

JAPANESE LANGUAGE

“Pseudo-Chinese”: New Japanese Social Media App Only Allows Kanji

Wanna stress-test your Japanese knowledge? A new social media app for Japanese users dares you to ditch kana by allowing only kanji…

TECHNOLOGY

Self-Driving Taxis Will Hit Tokyo Streets on a Test Run in 2025

Waymo is partnering with two companies in Japan to pilot self-driving "robotaxis" in seven cities in Tokyo next year. The experiment could…

SOCIAL MEDIA

Japan-Only Social App Mixi Releases Mixi 2, an X Alternative

Is Japan ready to do social media like it's 2004? MIXI Inc. hopes so. The company, whose Mixi service hosted 15 million…

TRAVEL

Goodbye Train Gates? New Suica Promises Gate-Free Travel in Japan

Will you never have to swipe your Suica card again? JR East says it plans to roll out a version of the…

TRAVEL

Why Is Osaka Expo a Bust With Japan’s Inbound Tourists?

The Osaka Expo takes place next year. But does anyone care? A lack of support among inbound tourists as well as its…

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

The Tokaido Shinkansen Celebrates 60 Years of Awesome

Happy birthday! This month, the Tokaido Shinkansen celebrated its 60th anniversary. Learn more about the bullet train's history and how it revolutionized…

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Staffless Shops in Japan See Success – and Theft

Japan is renowned for its customer service. However, in the near future, there may be no one serving you at all. Here's…

TRAVEL

This App for Japan Travelers Just Made Trip Planning Easier

One of Japan's oldest apps for helping inbound travelers get around says it's made it easier for visitors to plan trips across…