Decades ago, studying Japanese required flipping through heavy paper dictionaries or carrying a denshi jisho (a pocket-sized electronic dictionary) that instantly became the ultimate status symbol for ...

JR East is retiring the iconic Suica Penguin after 25 years. Are the bizarre new mascot candidates really that bad, or is all of Japan just grieving?

Managing ADHD in Japan as a foreigner? Learn how to get diagnosed, find support, and navigate work, healthcare and daily life. Living with ADHD in Japan as a foreigner can often feel like navigating ...

Blending fantastic views with vertigo-inducing heights, Japan’s suspension bridges are a fun way to experience Japan’s nature. One of the best ways to experience Japan’s stunning landscapes is to hike ...

Jinja (shrines) are everywhere in Japan—more than 100,000! They’re not hard to spot. The entryway to a shrine is marked by a large torii (gate). This is in contrast to Buddhist temples that do not ...

It has been a decade and a half now since the year Lost in Translation, the romantic comedy-drama starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, first hit theaters. More than any other film, this is the ...

Imagine yourself on a sweltering, humid summer day in Japan, strolling beside a serene river. The air is tinged with a faint, fishy aroma, creating an unusual atmosphere. Suddenly, a sharp, beak-like ...

Japan banned CBN effective June 1, 2026. Here’s what tourists and foreign residents should know before traveling with cannabinoid products in Japan. Japan will ban CBN (cannabinol), a hemp-derived ...

In recent years, horror manga artist Junji Ito has gained increased global recognition for his rich, elaborate works, such as Tomie, Uzumaki and Gyo. He’s won praise from famous admirers like ...

Japan ranks among the safest countries in the world, but not all threats are obvious. Some of the biggest risks come disguised as opportunities. In recent years, high-paying “part-time” jobs have ...

Learn about self-defense laws in Japan, including what counts as reasonable defense, when it's allowed, and how important it is to walk away. So you’re out enjoying a night in Japan, drinking at an ...

Learn how to open a bank account in Japan, what documents you need and how to avoid common issues with names, PINs and phone numbers. Opening a bank account should be one of the first boxes you tick ...