Every September in Japan, as autumn begins and the air carries a faint chill, you’ll notice something charming in fast-food chains and casual eateries: a sudden surge in on-menu items…
In modern Japan, an intriguing paradox stands out. Some right-wing nationalists loudly demand that China should keep its distance, yet these same voices fiercely defend the use of kanji —…
Recently, several Japanese municipalities were designated as symbolic “African Hometowns.” The initiative was intended to deepen cultural ties and foster mutual growth between Japan and Africa. However, instead of celebration,…
Introduction In recent years, Japan has witnessed a noticeable surge in abandoned suitcases. From airport terminals to hotel lobbies, more and more pieces of luggage are being left behind by…
Wildlife lovers, social media warriors, and cybersecurity watchers — this is one news story that feels like a strange crossover between an indie thriller and a modern-day cautionary tale. Yesterday,…
Middle schoolers used to be buzzing with dreams of becoming YouTubers—chasing that vision of “living off what you love,” as the famous YouTube Japan catchphrase once suggested. But recent survey…
Japan’s corporate world has long been known for its reliance on Japanese language and culture. Yet in the past two decades, a quiet revolution has been underway: a growing number…
Introduction Japan’s public broadcaster NHK has decided to extend its license fee system to the digital age. Until now, the license fee applied primarily to households with televisions. Starting this…
Japan’s dating culture has always been a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity. While marriage hunting (konkatsu) parties, matchmaking agencies, and group blind dates (gokon) have long been part of…
IntroductionIn recent years, the story of Yutabon—a self-styled “juvenile revolutionary,” who rose to fame as an outspoken, truant elementary-school kid turned YouTuber—has captivated and polarized audiences across Japan. While his…
