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…
Written By : Luke Mahoney
238 cats found in house: despite Japan’s love of pets, ownership issues still remain
As in all countries, the people of Japan love their pets. According to Wikipedia, the country has been experiencing a pet boom since 2003. In…
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,…
A silver-lining to lockdowns: suicides drop during stay-at-home orders
2020 has been an extraordinarily strange year. It’s hard not to wonder whether the massive public spending and political strife seen in some parts of…
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…
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…
‘Tourism Stationmaster’ Wasao—tiny-faced and adorable Akita canine—led a doggone good life
Visitors to Japan may be familiar with the legend of chūken Hachikō, a famously loyal dog. As the tale goes, Hachikō lived with his owner…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Japanese Instagrammer amasses over half a million followers by dressing up like his Mom
A lot of people have a lot of talents. The internet, YouTube, and Instagram have made that very clear. Eating excessive calories and sumo sized…
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…
Founder of Hello Kitty Proprietor Bows Out After 60-year Career
You know her, you love her, and you can’t live without her. Hello Kitty is the quintessence of harmlessness and cute, one of several iconic…