Featured stories about Japan
Stories about Japan
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.
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.
10 April 2017
Colorized Photos Show Epic Battle Between American and Japanese Forces in Okinawa During World War II
On the 72nd anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa, a Japanese researcher has made Twitter posts featuring archival photos of the battle that have been colorized using a software tool.
8 April 2017
Osaka Becomes the First Municipality in Japan to Recognize Same-Sex Foster Parents
"If you love the children you raise above all else, be you same-sex parents or parents of the opposite sex, that's all that's important to being a parent."
3 April 2017
Six Years On: How Fukushima, Miyagi and Iwate Are Recovering From the Tsunami
The report includes statistics from Japan's Reconstruction Ministry as well as surveys of evacuees themselves to provide a local perspective on efforts to recover from the 2011 "triple disaster."
1 April 2017
Ready Your Vaseline and Face Mask—It's Hay Fever Season in Japan
It is estimated that 1 in 4 of Japan’s population of 123 million people suffer from hay fever. Why are pollen allergies so common in Japan?
24 March 2017
Concrete Lovers, This Is What Social Housing Looks Like in Japan
An interesting blog devoted to documenting the concrete housing projects that have been home to several generations of Japanese since the end of the war.
19 March 2017
How One Small Japanese City Is Attracting Trainspotters
How is a small city in western Japan attracting thousands of tourists? Trainspotting.
16 March 2017
A Syrian Activist's Japanese-Language Message to the People of Japan
"Syria is witnessing a revolutionary call for freedom and dignity for its entire people." Will Japan help?
8 March 2017
Nyango Star, the Apple-Shaped Mascot Who Drums for Japan's Tohoku Region
"Anytime Nyango Star makes a public appearance it is to help Tohoku recover. The mascot isn't drumming for its personal gain but for its beloved home."
6 March 2017
Japanese Media Reports of Sagamihara Care Home Stabbings Overlook the Disabled Victims
Media reports have also placed great emphasis on finding a deeper motive behind the stabbings, in spite of the perpetrator's assertion that "....It is better that disabled people disappear.”
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