Music of the Ainu indigenous people is strangely hypnotic
Although Japan is largely considered homogeneous, minority groups do exist. Twenty-five thousand residents are considered Ainu, an East Asian ethnic group indigenous to the northern…
Life
English Proficiency in Japan Is Surprisingly Low in International Rankings. Here’s Why.
As an ESL teacher for over a decade, I’ve taught a wide variety of classes. Whenever I meet new students, I naturally try to get…
Japanese shipping company staff use their lunch break to make another company’s day
“A wonderful thing happened today.” Japanese Twitter user Karu (@carolpolca1), who works for an umbrella rental company “Nature Innovation Group Corporation”, started off her Twitter…
Japanese Twitter user makes clever handle to prevent umbrella theft
During Japan’s testing rainy season, an umbrella is a must. But there are always those who end steal (or sometimes mistakenly) take your umbrella from…
To Osaka Resident Misty Fujii, Black Lives Matter is Personal
John O’Donoghue, for JAPAN Forward Where are you from? This is a question often asked of foreign residents in Japan. While it can get repetitive,…
Tips for staying dry and safe during rainy season in Japan
If you’ve ever visited to Japan from May to June, you would know that during this period, is where the tsuyu(梅雨/rainy season) usually begins. During…
What are some of the most interesting Radio Programs in Japan?
In the Japanese radio world, there is a lot of variety and in this article, I’ve picked up a few of the most interesting radio…
Survey of pet owners finds Japan’s dogs in rude good health
One of the most remarkable things about modern Japan is how quickly a country with practically no history of pet ownership has become a nation…
World record holders who hail from Japan
Japan is a magical place. With several high-energy metropolitan centers and nineteen World Heritage Sites, there are countless eye-popping vistas to explore. Iconic landmarks range…
What every fiancé should know before meeting his father-in-law
Are you planning to pop the big question to your girlfriend? Do you dread the prospect of meeting your father-in-law for the first time? If…
Ridiculous reasons for getting canned in Japan
Japan seems like it may be poised for an economic downturn. Moody’s Analytics recently noted that Japan, alongside Singapore, would likely be one of the…
The origins and legend of Tanabata: Japan’s “Star Festival”
One of the most important and most celebrated events happening in Japan during the summertime is Tanabata 七夕. This iconic event is celebrated on July…
Ordinances Banning ‘Smartphone Zombies’ Coming to Japan
At crowded public places in Japan, you are likely to see signs warning against aruki sumaho. Translated as “texting while walking,” the postings warn pedestrians…
Husband in hot water after receiving a parcel from ‘Your Mistress’
Who’d have thought that a card from a parcel delivery company could cause so much trouble? Instagram user Tomoshikaida recently got home to find a…
First Sand Cat Born in Japan to Make Its Public Debut
Nasu Animal Kingdom zoo in Tochigi Prefecture recently welcomed a new member to their family: a female kitten sand cat. The cat, still to be…