Japan's convenience stores are national institutions. They are also facing growing needs to change and adapt in ways that reveal much about Japan as a nation.
The Japan Anti-Travel Guide
The answers to what just happened – and the things you never even thought about
Latest posts
Japan's approach to English leads a lot of Janglish. On the surface, it is amusing and silly. Dig a bit deeper, and it holds deeper meaning .
From stronger typhoons to shorter springs, Japan is feeling the impacts of climate change. Developments threaten crops, coastlines, and communities.
How can a can of Strong Zero cost less than bottled water in Japan? The answer involves alcohol loopholes and ingenuity.
What used to be a childhood hobby is now big business. Breeding beetles in Japan is a niche market worth millions of yen a year.
For decades, Japanese fathers were absent breadwinners, while mothers ran the household. Today, many younger dads want to change that.
Culture & Society
Japanese culture and society are rich in aspects and ideas that are unique and not found elsewhere. Delve behind the curtain of how things are the way they are – and why.
Japan’s akiya (vacant homes) have gone from rural curiosity to a nationwide reality with 9 million empty homes. But how did we get to the staggering numbers?
From construction sites to taxis, Japan’s seniors are employed everywhere. Here is a closer look at what kind of jobs elderly workers in Japan are doing and why.
A growing number of workers in Japan are rejecting the idea that workplace-related drinking, also known as nomunication, is essential to team spirit.
Technology & Innovation
Dive into Japan’s combination of cutting-edge technology, from robotics to bullet trains, and its often surprisingly old-fashioned mindsets about technology.
A small Saitama factory turned adversity into innovation by creating konjac-based simulated organs for surgical training.
Why Japan's robots, bullet trains, and vending machines live side-by-side with old technologies like fax machines and flip phones.
The future looked bright for EVs in Japan. Until it all of a sudden didn’t. Today, EV momentum has all but stalled. So what happened?
Family & Relationships
From dating trends like gokon to the importance of family ties, Japan’s approach to love, marriage, and community offers fascinating insights.
For decades, Japanese fathers were absent breadwinners, while mothers ran the household. Today, many younger dads want to change that.
Japan has remixed Valentine's Day, adding its own unique celebration: White Day. Both centre on gift giving, where each present says a lot more than what's on the outside.
In Japan, kissing, especially in public, remains a delicate subject, wrapped up in questions of intimacy and cultural norms.
Economy & Work
Economy and work in Japan, from the salaryman lifestyle and culture to the changes in Japanese work and economic outlook and performance.
Japan's convenience stores are national institutions. They are also facing growing needs to change and adapt in ways that reveal much about Japan as a nation.
How can a can of Strong Zero cost less than bottled water in Japan? The answer involves alcohol loopholes and ingenuity.
Japan’s hydrogen bet was to propel the country and its companies to the forefront of "the energy of the future.” So, what happened?
Nature & Sustainability
From cherry blossoms to climate initiatives, Japan’s environment and sustainability traditions show how nature and innovation intersect.
From stronger typhoons to shorter springs, Japan is feeling the impacts of climate change. Developments threaten crops, coastlines, and communities.
Japan’s hydrogen bet was to propel the country and its companies to the forefront of "the energy of the future.” So, what happened?
Japan's micro seasons split the world into five-day increments in a way that turns each year into a gentle conversation with nature.
Traditions & Customs
Uncover the customs and etiquette that make Japan one of the most fascinating societies in the world.
Japan has remixed Valentine's Day, adding its own unique celebration: White Day. Both centre on gift giving, where each present says a lot more than what's on the outside.
Nomunication - or Japanese work-related drinking culture - remains a staple of the salaryman lifestyle - but for how long?
Japan's micro seasons split the world into five-day increments in a way that turns each year into a gentle conversation with nature.
Media & Communication
From manga and anime to TV dramas and viral trends, Japan’s media landscape reflects both cultural heritage and modern creativity.
Japan's approach to English leads a lot of Janglish. On the surface, it is amusing and silly. Dig a bit deeper, and it holds deeper meaning .
Japan has a massive problem when it comes to freedom of the press. The issues shape what you see on TV and read in the paper.
Why Japanese television and its ubiquitous variety shows often evoke a sense of déjà vu with its participants and formats.
Cities & Infrastructure
Learn more about Japan’s urban landscape, its roads, trains, and more.
Japan's convenience stores are national institutions. They are also facing growing needs to change and adapt in ways that reveal much about Japan as a nation.
Japan’s akiya (vacant homes) have gone from rural curiosity to a nationwide reality with 9 million empty homes. But how did we get to the staggering numbers?
The future looked bright for EVs in Japan. Until it all of a sudden didn’t. Today, EV momentum has all but stalled. So what happened?
Crazy & Kawaii
The crazy and kawaii (cute) stories from and about Japan that will make you smile or go huh.
Japan's approach to English leads a lot of Janglish. On the surface, it is amusing and silly. Dig a bit deeper, and it holds deeper meaning .
What used to be a childhood hobby is now big business. Breeding beetles in Japan is a niche market worth millions of yen a year.
A small Saitama factory turned adversity into innovation by creating konjac-based simulated organs for surgical training.