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…
Made in Japan
Video illustrator revives Akihabara’s ghost town streets with cyberpunk digital art
Tokyo’s Akihabara district is often labeled as a somewhat of a paradise for anime, video game, and tech enthusiasts. The bustling otaku hub offers a…
Repurposing Plastic Fish Soy Sauce Containers to Help Clean Up the Pandemic
Although a clean society, Japan does have some issues with waste. Rubbish sorting rules are notably detailed, and towns like Kamikatsu are stringent recyclers. Nevertheless,…
Karakuri ningyō: the world’s first robots
Robots and Japan are practically synonymous. The Japanese government and some of its biggest corporations see the 21st century as one of ‘human co-existence with…
Bō-taoshi: a game of several hundred men trying to knock down a pole
I have to admit, I got a bit desperate during the lockdown. I must’ve watched every standup special on Netflix at least twice, and found…
The discreet charm of Japan’s anti-smoking campaign
In common with other countries, the number of smokers in Japan is in steady decline. Currently, around 28% of Japanese men and 9% of Japanese…
Cat-themed car accessories by Japanese company can make your drive so much cuter
Japan has a great love for cats, and it definitely shows. There’s a wide array of cute but practical cat-themed items available in the country…
How The Japanese Economic Miracle Came to an End
In his book “Princes of the Yen,” economist Richard Werner explains the far-reaching influence and control that central banks wield over the future of a…
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…
With Its Economy Hit Hard A V-shaped Recovery in Japan Seems Unlikely
If you follow economic news, you’re likely aware that these are unprecedented times. The American federal government is implementing record levels of fiscal stimulus, and…
Hello Kitty teams up with epidemic-fighting monster Amabie to hasten end of pandemic
If you’re interested in Japan and have been following some of the news in the last few months, chances are you’ve heard of Amabie. The…
10,000 yen luxury tomato juice released in Japan
Produce in Japan (such as the rare white strawberry) can sometimes sell for extraordinary prices in Japan that make travelers do a double take. A…
Mu: a clue to a legendary lost kingdom in Ojima Komatsugawa park
A few days ago I was cycling down the River Arakawa when I came to Ojima Komatsugawa park. Being on a spur of land that…
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…
Seven-Eleven Japan Begins Selling Life Insurance During Pandemic Scare
Japanese convenience stores are pretty amazing. Unlike their North American counterparts, they live up to their handle and provide a host of useful services and…