If you’ve ever walked through Shibuya or Roppongi and heard the roar of tiny engines and the laughter of costumed tourists zipping by in go-karts, you’ve probably witnessed the infamous “real-life Mario Kart” experience. Services like Shibuya Kart and…
In recent years, Japanese users of certain websites — especially those involving adult content, doujin culture, or self-published media — have found themselves unable to use major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. This sudden change has sparked confusion,…
🍙 Japan’s Rice Shortage: What Happened? In recent years, Japan has faced an unexpected rice shortage. This was caused by a combination of reduced domestic production, aging farmers, and climate issues. Some areas saw empty shelves and rising rice…
🎡 The 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo has become one of Japan’s biggest national projects in recent years. Running from April 13 to October 13, this six-month international event has drawn global attention—and domestic controversy. With over 150 countries participating and…
While climate change dominates political debates in Europe, it remains a secondary concern in Japanese elections. Why is this the case? Let’s explore the cultural, political, and structural differences between Japan and European democracies—and what might change in the…
Japan has struggled with stagnant wage growth for nearly three decades. In this post, we investigate the key causes—from productivity and employment rigidity to corporate behaviors and policy shortcomings—and suggest actionable insights. 1. 🧩 Productivity vs. Wages Between the…
📈 Uniqlo: No Longer “Affordable” for Everyone? In recent years, many Japanese consumers have started to feel that Uniqlo—once the symbol of affordable, everyday wear—has become expensive. With inflation rising and wages stagnating, even simple items like socks or…
Seichi Junrei (聖地巡礼), or “anime pilgrimage,” is more than just a fan hobby—it has become a movement that brings real money to local communities in Japan. But is it just hype, or does it actually create economic value? Let’s…
As inflation continues to affect households across Japan, the question on everyone’s mind is: How should the government help? Should it reduce taxes, or give out direct cash payments? 🧐 This issue has recently sparked widespread debate in Japanese…
If you’re new to investing in Japanese stocks, you might be surprised to find that many companies in Japan offer more than just dividends to their shareholders. Welcome to the world of 株主優待 (kabunushi yūtai) — or shareholder perks,…
