Lifestyle
Self-Defense Forces enlist anime boys to try to attract new human recruits
Recently, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have been using anime-style artwork, and in some cases preexisting anime characters, for their recruiting posters. In a way, it makes sense. Many of the most popular anime follow their main characters as they train themselves and/or utilize high-spec technology to protect the people and lands they love, which more-or-less aligns… Read
Driving in Japan: From obtaining your license to navigating the roads
Most Tokyoites don’t need a car for day-to-day life. However, whether you want to take the kids camping, fit your Nitori purchases in the back of a four-seater, or need to drive for work, learning to drive in Japan can really come in handy. For expats with disabilities or who are carers, a… Read
Akita Prefecture leads dramatic decrease in nation's suicide rate
Taeko Watanabe awoke one cold March night and found a trail of blood in the hallway, a bloody cleaver on her son Yuki's bed and no trace of him in the house. Then police discovered a suicide note in his bedroom. "They found him in a canal by the temple… Read
Kimono-clad dog attends traditional Japanese wedding and upstages everyone
At a Japanese Shinto wedding, most eyes would be on the beautiful ceremony and the gorgeous traditional clothes worn by the participants. But according to Twitter account Kamakura By The Sea, something even more attention-grabbing than the ceremony could be seen among the guests. This lovely dog wearing an adorable dog-sized… Read
Women in business summits: Annual gatherings advance diversity and inclusion dialogue
With an aging population and shrinking talent pool, developing a diverse and inclusive workforce is imperative for Japan’s economic growth. By encouraging greater participation from women, the LGBT individuals, younger generations, and talent from abroad, Japan can remedy its labor shortage and strengthen its global competitiveness. The first American Chamber of Commerce in… Read
Japanese mom finds dead dad’s Amazon cart has one last message of love for his grandchildren
In today’s world, where you can find anything online, many people live in fear of what would happen to their Internet browser histories if they were to suddenly die, thus baring their private queries and interests for others to see. So perhaps it was with some trepidation that Japanese Twitter… Read
Depression in Japan: Who to contact and what to do if this happens to you
A working mom of two school-age kids, Di (not her real name) is used to being on the go. Three years ago she found herself with more on her plate than usual, with her oldest graduating from elementary school and her PTA duties as one of the graduation committees, plus a health… Read
Japanese amusement park’s new horror attraction involves handcuffing visitors in the dark
No self-respecting theme park can truly be considered complete without an attraction filled with all manner of ghastly and creepy things waiting to spook visitors. Amusement park Fuji-Q Highland in Yamanashi Prefecture certainly satisfies that requirement, having just installed a new ride called the “Endless Mine”. The backstory tells of an abandoned mine dug… Read
This luxurious maternity hospital makes us want to have all the babies in Japan
Having a baby is never easy, and can be especially hard in Japan, where mothers are expected to tough out a lot of aspects of childbirth. But on the flip side, Japanese moms also enjoy top-notch medical care, being closely monitored during their pregnancy and enjoying a standard five-day-stay in hospital to… Read
Japanese art student’s graduation project a lineup of cats adorably asking you for high fives
Some Japanese art students really bring out the big guns for their graduation projects, but sculptor Sakura Hanafusa (@hanafusa_sakura) expertly crafted one that all cat lovers would love in their home. A lineup of seven cats extending their paws to high five you after you come home. Photo: Sakura Hanafusa Photo: Sakura Hanafusa Hanafusa… Read
