Centenarians Set Record High 50th Year in Row
The number of people in Japan aged 100 and above totaled 80,450 as of September 1, marking a record high for the 50th consecutive year.
Tsushima Shrine Gate Crumbles in Typhoon
A stone torii gate at a shrine on the island of Tsushima in Nagasaki Prefecture crumbled as Typhoon Haishen passed nearby.
Nanzoin: Discover Fukuoka's Reclined Buddha
Fukuoka has a well-earned reputation as one of Kyushu's culinary hotspots, but it's also home to an incredibly unique temple! Hop on a train from Hakata Station to see the largest reclining bronze Buddha in the world tucked into a Kyushu mountainside!
Sea Surface Temperatures in Japan Soar
The monthly average temperature of sea surfaces around Japan reached a record high in August, with the Japan Meteorological Agency warning that could bring about more powerful typhoons.
Japan's Cute New Mascot Came to Fight COVID-19
Welcome Koronon, the cute pink cat who's here to protect the city of Tokyo from COVID-19 by handing out free masks around the metropolis.
No Halloween Gathering in Shibuya in 2020
Officials of Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward have decided to ask people not to visit the iconic Scramble Crossing to celebrate Halloween this year, for fears of spreading COVID-19.
Homeowners Open Public Bath Under Their House
As thousands had been displaced in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, the disaster revealed one of the flaws of the community: there were no public baths. Until now!
Not All Use Chopsticks the 'Traditional' Way
As a society that thinks thoroughly about etiquette, there is, of course, a prescribed way to hold chopsticks. But, the vocabulary around the method being "correct" is being slowly changed to be called the traditional way, as we learn in this video.
Getting to Know Japan's Daikannon
Some of Japan's tallest and most interesting statues represent the deity Kannon. The Goddess of Mercy is the centerpiece of many religion sites in Japan, several of which are easily accessible from Tokyo, and are perfect for a day or weekend trip!
5 Acquired Tastes From Around Japan
Join us on an ugly-delicious journey of 5 fermented foods through 5 destinations in Japan
Prime Minister Suga's Plans for Japan
Incoming Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga held his first news conference as Japanese Prime Minister, pledging to continue pursuing his predecessor’s policies.
Ueno Zoo Opens New Panda Habitat
Tokyo's Ueno Zoological Gardens unveiled a new enclosure for giant pandas.
Introducing the Suga Administration
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga unveils the composition of his administration.
Suga Elected LDP President
Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide has been elected president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, and is set to become Japanese prime minister on September 16.
Tokyo Games to Be Simplified in 50-60 Areas
Organizers of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics plan to simplify the postponed games in around 50 to 60 areas to cut additional costs.
Japan Weather to Remain Unstable After Typhoon
Typhoon Haishen is moving away from Japan, but the weather is expected to remain unstable for a while.
All About Japanese Guesthouses
Guesthouses are a great way to enjoy an authentic and affordable stay in Japan and interact with locals. Join us as we take an inside look at the Japanese guesthouse industry with two guesthouse owners!
Japan Airlines Testing Remote Customer Service
Japan Airlines is providing customer service remotely using an avatar on a trial basis.
Post-Abe PM Contender Suga Masks on the Rise
A Japanese rubber mask manufacturer anticipates greater demand for masks of leading post-Abe PM contender Suga Yoshihide.
It's Not Over Yet for This 88-Year-Old 'Sento'
There's been a trend of sento, or public baths, closing across Japan. But for one aging Tokyo business, the open sign will be hanging longer, with an incredible new interior.
