Why Japanese seniors are spending their golden years behind bars
Recently, in Five Stupid Ways To Get Arrested in Japan, we mentioned the KDDI caller, a pensioner who was arrested after placing nearly 24,000 complaint…
Written By : Luke Mahoney
YouTuber comes out to his family and has a heart-to-heart talk with his parents
Japanese society can sometimes be conservative and rigid. While residents of this country are mostly friendly and warm-hearted, expectations are taken seriously, and norms are…
The times Japanese politicians put their foot in their mouths
We’ve all done it before: minced words, made a Freudian slip, failed to think out the implications, or simply been too honest. You can take…
Japan debates leaving behind the ancient custom of hanko seals
Despite Japan’s high-tech image abroad, there is, at times, a surprising lack of modern technology. This is particularly true in business settings. Many offices still…
Japanese mascots that are as cute as they are peculiar
Japan is the country of kawaii: many things are overly adorable here, and brands notice. Many companies take to painfully cute marketing strategies without a…
Japanese politicians and whalers ignore criticism as whaling industry is revived
Japan has a long history of whaling, purportedly dating back to the 12th century. Historically, whale meat was a dietary staple. The nutritious and protein-rich…
Chef YouTuber shows how to prepare giant seafood catches to make mouth-watering Japanese cuisine
If you know anything about Japanese cuisine, then you know about sushi, sashimi, and other famous seafood dishes. They are delicious and practically elevated to…
This Tanuki Raccoon dog has been spoiled by its owner
Japan is a pet-loving society. Since 2003, the country has been experiencing a pet boom as the market value of animal-related industries reaches record highs….
The end to a tragic event: Kyoto Animation’s first studio building has been demolished
In July of 2019, residents and anime fans alike were shocked by the news that the world-famous Kyoto Animation studio had been the target of…
Disenfranchised parasite singles in Japan look to their parents to help find a spouse
Japanese culture is caring and considerate. Consider how family members care for pets, and you’ll quickly see they are practically surrogate children. Nevertheless, essential life…
The rockenest most Osakanest granny idol group in town
Every generation has its heroes: John Wayne, The Beatles, Steve McQueen, Bruce Springsteen, Doogie Howser. Yet, these days in Japan, you’re more likely to see…
A few observations on the state of ADHD treatment in Japan
Not too long ago, I was working on an article entitled Five Stupid Ways to Get Arrested in Japan, in which I mentioned the perils…
Laundromat in a traditional Japanese house offers old-fashioned ambiance while you do your wash
Traditional Japanese houses are beautiful: from wide entranceways complete with thick wooden steps to rooms with Buddhist shrines and sliding parchment doors. To a westerner,…
Feeling lonely during lockdown? Why not have dinner with Naomi Watanabe?
For the last few weeks, the coronavirus lockdown has been in full effect across Japan. Although criticized as “toothless” by many—the power of the government…
Under COVID-19 lockdown, a Japanese husband discovers how much he loves his wife
The COVID-19 pandemic and pursuant lockdown have gotten everyone down. Employees are struggling as they find themselves furloughed, while families are stressing as they are…