Why Toy Guns Were Treated as Illegal Firearms in Japan — A Closer Look
Japan is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in the world, with some of the strictest gun control laws. So, when news broke that thousands of toy guns…
Why Did Major Hair Removal Salons Go Bankrupt—and How Did Japan Become a Hair Removal Powerhouse?
Japan’s beauty industry is renowned worldwide—and hair removal (脱毛) has played a starring role in that rise. Recently, however, several major salon chains have declared bankruptcy. This post explores what…
Japan’s Rising Rice Prices: Can Households Still Afford Their Staple Food?
Introduction Rice has always been the heart of Japanese cuisine. From daily meals to ceremonial offerings, it is more than just a grain—it is a cultural foundation. Yet in recent…
Should You Avoid Slurping the Soup? Revisiting Yamagata University’s Ramen Study
Japan’s collective ramen obsession is well-known—and now, a recent university study offers a sobering glimpse at what happens when that beloved bowl becomes too frequent. Let’s explore why “don’t drink…
Why Attendees Found Themselves Unable to Return Home After the Osaka Expo
On the night of August 13, 2025, thousands of visitors to Expo 2025 Osaka found themselves in an unexpected and unprecedented situation—they simply could not go home. What began as…
The Pokémon Happy Meal Fiasco: McDonald’s Official Response and What Lies Ahead
The recent launch of the Pokémon-themed Happy Meal in Japan generated unprecedented excitement—and unexpected chaos. Here’s what unfolded, what McDonald’s officially announced in their August 11 statement (“Important Notice on…
Why Japan’s Convenience Stores Keep Growing — A Deep Dive Into Their Unbeatable Edge
Japanese convenience stores—or konbini—continue to expand, even as many other retail and dining sectors face contraction. From bustling city corners to rural crossroads, they are not only surviving but thriving.…
McDonald’s Pokémon Happy Meal Craze: Have Collectibles Drifted Away from Children?
For decades, Pokémon has been a colorful, whimsical brand targeted primarily at children. The franchise’s appeal has been in its adorable creatures, engaging stories, and easy-to-learn games. Yet in recent…
Japan’s First Major Lawsuit Against Generative AI: Yomiuri Shimbun vs. Perplexity
In an unprecedented move, one of Japan’s largest newspaper publishers has taken legal action against a rising AI startup from the U.S. The case marks a turning point not just…
Why Japan’s Air Conditioners Are Breaking Down in the Summer Heat
With Japan experiencing some of the hottest summers in its recorded history, air conditioner failures are becoming alarmingly common. From major cities to rural areas, residents are discovering their ACs…
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Why Only 17% of Japanese Hold Passports—and Why Young People Are Losing Interest in Traveling Abroad
