In Japan, it’s almost impossible to walk down a busy street and not receive a free pocket tissue. This seemingly simple giveaway—small, practical, and often adorned with a printed ad—embodies…
If you have spent any time on Japanese television or YouTube in recent years, you’ve probably noticed a familiar trend: programs and videos that showcase foreigners praising Japan. From interviews…
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…
Introduction Japan has just taken a historic step in the evolution of digital finance: the Financial Services Agency (FSA) is set to approve JPYC, the first domestic yen-denominated stablecoin. This…
Introduction Japan is often praised for its clean streets and safe neighborhoods. To many visitors, it may seem like there are no homeless people at all. Yet, hidden from the…
Visiting a movie theater in Japan can feel both familiar and unexpectedly different for English speakers. The experience is clean, efficient, and polite—but also includes some quirks that can trip…
IntroductionIn recent years, strong chu-hi—ready-to-drink canned alcoholic beverages with unusually high alcohol content—have become a cultural phenomenon in Japan. Affordable, convenient, and deceptively smooth, they are often described as a…
Introduction Japan’s relationship with cannabis is complex and deeply rooted in history, stigma, and law. While the world has seen major shifts toward legalization and regulation, Japan remains cautious—yet subtle…
For decades, blood type fortune-telling was a cultural phenomenon in Japan. Many people once believed that your blood type could reveal your personality, compatibility, and even predict your future. Magazines…
When people talk about Tokyo’s nightlife, Shinjuku often comes up as a place of neon lights, entertainment, and hidden subcultures. Among these stories, one place gained an infamous reputation: Okubo…
