[ad_1] A Kumamoto Prefecture legislator who previously made news for smoking in public is now out of a job after harassing a taxi driver. Ideo Nobuo (井手順雄), 63, was being driven home drunk in a taxi when the driver took a wrong turn. Ide reportedly told the driver, 「うち殺すぞ」 (uchikorosu zo) – which, in Kumamoto …
Japanese Lawmaker Who Threatened to Punch Taxi Driver Resigns Read More »
[ad_1] After a long lockdown, domestic and foreign tourism are active in Japan once more. While a welcome boon for local merchants, it’s also causing trouble for residents in popular tourist areas. Trouble in Slam Dunk Land In October, Japan opened up foreign entry into the country for tourists for the first time in three …
Tourist Areas in Japan Struggle with Ill-Mannered Visitors Read More »
[ad_1] On May 1st, 2019, Emperor Akihito officially abdicated the throne and the “Reiwa” era began. This ended the Heisei era, which had begun in 1989 and lasted for 30 years. Although we are only three years into the Reiwa era, a surprising trend has emerged. Heisei fashion, goods, and accessories have already begun to …
Loose Socks and the Rise of the “Heisei Retro” Trend Read More »
[ad_1] Japan is well known for its strict gun laws. But it also severely restricts carrying any blade that can be regarded as a weapon. One poor guy found that out the hard way when police took him into custody for carrying…scissors. The man, A, is in his 40s and works at a facility for …
Man in Japan Prosecuted for Overly Long Scissors Read More »
[ad_1] “He’s a boy but he likes Frozen and Elsa!” My 5-year-old daughter exclaimed the other day, catching me off guard. It was shocking because I prided myself on selecting just the right school. Her all-English kindergarten in Tokyo had been understanding of children from various backgrounds, never asking me to let her wear a skirt. …
How Gender Bias Keeps Japanese Girls Out of STEM Read More »
[ad_1] It’s an old refrain in entertainment industries the world over: speak up about harassment and risk losing work, or stay silent and suffer. For voice actors in Japan, experiencing both scenarios — plus the occasional death threat from delusional fans if you’re really unlucky — is almost a given in the industry. Voice actress …
Hirano Aya’s Harassment in the Anime Industry All Too Common Read More »
[ad_1] During oshogatsu (New Year), people in Japan huddle outside of temples and shrines to pray for an auspicious year, hands warmed by steaming cups of amazake (fermented rice drink). Incorporating the cheery holiday drink, this amazake purin recipe below riffs on the classic flan-like Japanese purin (custard pudding). Amazake acts as a natural sweetener, so the only added sugar here …
[ad_1] Edo-period artist Katsushika Hokusai’s most famous individual woodblock print, The Great Wave off Kanagawa has been reproduced in many forms of media, including functional ones for everyday life, since it was introduced to the world in 1831. Lego Japan will soon claim fame to the newest version when it releases a Lego version of the iconic image from Hokusai’s Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji. The …
[ad_1] Emperor Naruhito and his family waved to throngs of New Year’s well-wishers from the balcony at the Imperial Palace on Monday in the return of a celebration halted for the past two years by the pandemic. Naruhito offered prayers for people’s happiness and world peace in the appearance Monday beside his wife, Empress Masako, …
Emperor, family greet crowd at palace after COVID hiatus Read More »
[ad_1] Happy New Year! For New Year’s 2022, we explored New Year’s Traditions in Sendai, and the unique decoration that is the Sendai-style kadomatsu. This year, we go to the other side of the Ōu Mountains and explore the Namahage, one of the symbols of New Year in Akita Prefecture. While namahage are fierce, oni-like …
Namahage: In Japan’s Akita, Demons Ring in the New Year Read More »