How, exactly, did the convenience store (combini) become such a ubiquitous part of Japanese life? How the combini evolved, what you can do there (spoiler alert: more or less everything), and where they're headed as Japan's population ages and changes.
ICYMI: We’ve written about interesting train stations in Japan – from ones out in the middle of nowhere to stations in Tokyo that hardly anyone uses. But there’s an even more interesting – and spooky – type of station. Learn about Japan’s “mole stations” and how you can check them out yourself (if you dare…).
Japan has a reputation as one of the safest countries in the world with a low crime rate. Japan also boasts a conviction rate that extraordinarily surpasses 99%.
But does that necessarily guarantee safety and justice?
"Some have wanted to see in this show a conflict between 'European colonizers and Japanese people.' I’m sympathetic to and generally agree with these arguments. But here’s the thing: you can’t apply them to Japan in the 16th and 17th centuries."
ICYMI: It used to be that tourists could get in for a reduced rate – or even free – at some of Japan’s cultural sites. However, with the surge in overtourism, those days are ending. Tourist spots are slashing discounts for inbound visitors that local critics argue are unfair.
Since 1969, the Association of Shinto Shrines has overseen most shrines in Japan. But ongoing controversies are driving some away. Learn about the scandals - and cases of discrimination against women and LGBTQ people - that are causing some shrines to bail.
It was one of the most infamous cases of karoshi (working to death) Japan has seen. Learn how the tragic loss of Takahashi Matsuri shook the country, and what changed - and what hasn't - since then.
Media reports blaming foreign tourists for bad behavior in Japan abound. But some say they're just imitating what the Japanese locals do. Who's really to blame for Foreigners Behaving Badly?
As Japan continues to face rapid population decline and aging, its government considers a new tactic to grow families: make childbirth free. Learn more about the proposal - and why it's likely not enough - in our latest.
A lesbian couple in Japan say conditions for them were so bad in their home country that Canada has granted them refugee status. Learn why they applied for asylum - and what this says about the state of LGBTQ rights in Japan - in our latest.
Meiji has a long and storied history dating back to Japan’s Taisho Era. Over the years, it’s produced many successful products. But two similar products have torn the country’s loyalties in twain. Read on to learn more about the Great Meiji Mushroom and Bamboo Battle.
"The discussion over separate spousal surnames in Japan is highly emotional. Some claim Japan needs to protect the traditional form of family based on the current family registration system. The debate overlooks the impact the current law has on women in Japan…such as myself."
With so much Japanese media available now, it can be tricky knowing which ones to use as language learning tools. Here’s how to use Japanese drama to learn Japanese and improve your Japanese comprehension, listening, and speaking skills.
Combini are as ubiquitous throughout Japan as Starbucks in Seattle. How did it get that way? And what do people use them for? Let’s take a look at the scale of Japanese convenience stores and how, exactly, they fit into modern life in Japan.
In a recent survey, people in Osaka ranked themselves as the most ill-mannered in Japan. Their worst offenses? Not saying thanks to bus drivers and not picking up their dog’s poop. Kanazawa and Kumamoto ranked first in each category, respectively.
June 29th is "Tsukudani Day," a minor holiday for the fish-and-seaweed dish. It's also the food that saved shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu's life. Read the full fascinating story below.
It used to be common wisdom in Japan's restaurant industry that you couldn't sell ramen for over 1000 yen a bowl. That's changing quickly. Learn why more shops are emphasizing quality over quantity in our latest.
in 2017, at Tomioka Hachimangū Shrine, head priestess Nagako was murdered by her brother Shigenaga, who believed her role should belong to a man. Shockingly, he wasn’t alone in this belief: Japan's Association of Shinto Shrines refused to recognize Nagako for years.
Japan maintains an "official" list of kanji. But some "unofficial" kanji are also in common use - and chances are you know a few. Here are some of the most popular that most people use and know despite being on the naughty list.
Did you know that Japanese once only had four colors? Taking a closer look at the history of colors in Japanese provides a surprisingly deep insight into Japanese culture and history.
ICYMI: The Association of Shinto Shrines is a powerhouse in the Shinto world. However, with shrines nationwide turning their backs, its once unshakable power is not as mighty as it once was.
Some Japanese service staff say they're struggling to cope with visitors who don't make any effort to find linguistic common ground. More below on tourists who insist on speaking their mother tongue (and how not to be That Guy).
Bakeneko generally continue to resemble ordinary cats. According to legends, a bakeneko can be identified by the pupils of its eyes constantly changing shape, its fur emitting lightning-like sparks, or its tendency to wear a cloth or napkin covering its head.
For over half a century, passengers on Japan’s high-speed rail lines have relied on trusty food carts, pushed by polite, uniformed staff, for drink and sustenance needs during the long rides between the island nation’s major cities. Sadly, these days may be coming to an end.