Featured stories about Japan
Stories about Japan
21 July 2017
Between Worlds: The Complicated Life of a Young Japanese Returnee
'We said "sorry" in Japanese, to which she replied, “Oh, you're Japanese? Then always speak Japanese, you foreigner!”'
20 July 2017
A Look Back at Japan's Transformative ‘Showa Era’
One Twitter account combs encyclopedias, photo magazines, guidebooks and other sources for nostalgic images from Japan's postwar recovery.
16 July 2017
15 Movies That Speak to the Complex Relationship Between Taiwan and Japan
Only since the late 1980s have filmmakers begun to examine the two countries' history, from colonial rule and World War II to present day.
14 July 2017
The Unusual, Sometimes Mysterious Bookmarks Found in Used Books in Japan
"This handmade bookmark in my second-hand book is so cool."
12 July 2017
Japan Celebrates Day Devoted to Sticky, Aromatic Cultured Soy Beans
On Monday, July 10, Japan feted its favorite food made from cultured soy beans: natto.
7 July 2017
In Effort to Stop Anti-Korean Hate Speech, Osaka Mayor Wants to Loosen Internet Privacy Laws
For more than a decade, Osaka and other communities with large populations of ethnic Korean residents have struggled to deal with far-right organizations that target ethnic Koreans and other minorities.
Early Typhoon Brings Torrential Rains and Deadly Flooding to Japan
"It's become apparent there has been massive destruction."
29 June 2017
Beatles Memorial Day Marks the Anniversary of the Iconic Band’s First Visit to Japan
The 1966 visit by the Beatles to Japan is regarded as a turning point in Japanese postwar culture.
17 June 2017
Japan's Controversial Anticonspiracy Bill Becomes Law
"It's possible that the law, which is intended to deal with organized crime groups, will expand to affect ordinary citizens."
16 June 2017
Japanese Traditional Sweets Day Means Twitter Is Full of Mouth-Watering Photos of ‘Wagashi’
Did you know Japan has observed "traditional sweets day" on June 16 for more than a thousand years?
10 June 2017
Locals Rejoice as Restart Planned for Nuclear Power Plant
The reactor restarts are welcome news to isolated host communities. However, residents of one of Japan's most densely populated regions are fearful about the potential for another massive nuclear accident.
22 May 2017
In Japan, Plastic Food Models Aren't Just for Restaurants Anymore
"Is there anyone out there who is going to say, "Wow, cool, I can customize my smartphone case with salmon roe?" I think I'll be the only one."
20 May 2017
Japanese Committee Clears Path for Vague and Controversial Anti-Conspiracy Bill
The legislation will cover nearly 300 crimes if it passes. Critics have argued personal liberties are at stake.
13 May 2017
How ‘Aspie’ Is Misunderstood, Mistranslated and Misused In Japan
"Will (people living with Aspergers syndrome) be happy to hear the term asupe used as slang, I wonder?"
6 May 2017
Photographer Chronicles Day-to-Day Life in Tokyo
From stunning portraits to cultural scenes that may not be around for much longer, Lee Chapman is passionate about documenting life in Tokyo.
1 May 2017
A Software Engineer's Blog Takes Readers on Bike Rides Through Japan's Backroads
Friedl's blog is a great way to explore Japan by bike, even if you aren't in Japan or don't necessarily own a bike.
29 April 2017
“I'm Glad I'm From Tohoku” Trends on Twitter Following Japanese Politician's Cruel Words
A Japanese cabinet minister's insensitive remarks spurred a popular Twitter hashtag supporting Japan's northeastern Tohoku region, as well as the minister's resignation.
23 April 2017
Instagram Snaps of Japanese Foods You May Not Have Heard Of
Raw chicken, fish sperm, raw liver, "cherry blossom meat" and other Japanese foods you may not know about.
21 April 2017
Japanese Metal Legends LOUDNESS Turned Away at US Border
"After spending 27 hours in the air I'm back in Osaka. Just devastated."
14 April 2017
Amidst Political Scandal and a Hate Crime Probe, Japan’s Old Rescript on Education Is Back
When a Japanese private school was caught making racist and nationalistic remarks, the ensuing scandal started a national conversation about the relevance of a pre-war imperial edict on education.
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