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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
1. From Niche to Mainstream: The Industry’s Transformation In Japan, the “chat lady” (チャットレディ) industry began as a small segment of the online entertainment market in the early 2000s. Initially,…
