What Happened to Japan’s Largest Postwar Terrorist Cult?
Aum Shinrikyo is remembered as the most infamous cult in modern Japanese history and the group responsible for the deadliest terrorist attack of the postwar era. While decades have passed…
Why Foreign Praise of Japan Floods TV and YouTube: Who Watches It and Why Demand Keeps Growing
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…
Where Do Japan’s Homeless Live? Unseen Communities and Why Many Don’t Receive Welfare Support
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…
What Are “Strong” Canned Chu-Hi Drinks? Are They Becoming a Legal Drug Alternative Among Young People?
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…
Will Japan Embrace Cannabis Legalization Again? The Current Cannabis Movement in Japan
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…
What Happened to the “Standing Girls” Park? The Story of Okubo Park in Tokyo
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…
Bear Slaughter or Protection: How Far Is the Debate Spreading in Japan?
Rising Bear Incidents in Japan In recent years, Japan has seen a record-breaking rise in bear-related incidents. Reports of bears injuring people, damaging crops, and wandering into towns have reached…
Will Japan Close the Door to Easy Immigration?
In-Depth Analysis of the Business-Manager Visa Capital Requirement Increase For years, the Business-Manager (経営・管理) visa in Japan has been seen by some as a relatively straightforward pathway to long-term residence.…
Why Do People in Japan Take on “3K” Jobs—Harsh, Dirty, Dangerous Work?
In Japan, the term “3K” is widely used to describe jobs that are considered undesirable because they are kitsui (きつい: tough), kitanai (汚い: dirty), and kiken (危険: dangerous).This phrase became…
The Battle at Japan’s Self-Checkout: Criminal Ingenuity vs. Retailer Vigilance
Self-checkout lanes have rapidly become a fixture in Japanese supermarkets. While they offer undeniable convenience and reduce staffing pressures, they’ve also become a playground for increasingly refined shoplifting techniques. From…
