All About Japan

SoftBank Fails to Declare Billions in Income

Japanese tax authorities have found that SoftBank Group Corporation failed to declare about 40 billion yen in income for the business year through March 2019.

Universal Studios Japan Reopens to Visitors

Universal Studios Japan opens its door to visitors from across the country, but is asking Tokyoites to reconsider visiting due to the large numbers of novel coronavirus cases in the capital.

Record 1,000 New Coronavirus Cases in Japan

Japan sees a record number of new cases of novel coronavirus in one day, hitting over 1,000 for the very first time.

The Travel Subsidy Program Is Going Forward

The Japanese government explained further details about the "Go To Travel" campaign to tourism agents and hotel operators just one day before the start of the domestic travel promotion program.

Akihabara Landmark Sega Arcade Closing

Electric Town says goodbye to Sega Building 2, an arcade that has been a landmark of the area for 17 years.

Japan Domestic Air Travel Down 65% in August

It should come as no surprise that the number of passengers traveling by air within Japan during the summer holiday season in August dropped 65 percent from last year.

Smoking Area Artwork for Social Distancing

Officials of Tokyo’s Shinagawa Ward have come up with an artistic way to urge smokers to maintain social distancing.

Nagasaki, 75 Years After the Atomic Bombing

Nearly 500 people commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Nagasaki atomic bombing on Sunday amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Private Shinto Ritual Streamed to Viewers

Osaka Temmangu Shrine streams online a usually private Shinto ceremony that is part of the annual Tenjin Festival, as other festivities including lit-up boats and fireworks are canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

JR East Redesigns All Station Stamps in Tokyo

Train otaku, rejoice! JR East has redesigned 78 of the stamps at central stations in Tokyo. Are you gonna catch 'em all?

Shinjuku Station's New Permanent Installation

Artist Tomokazu Matsuyama is the talent responsible for the new artwork adorning Shinjuku Station.

Hiroshima Marks 75th Anniversary of A-Bomb

Nearly 800 people, fewer than a tenth of the usual number of attendees, commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Hiroshima atomic bombing amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Tokyo Excluded From Go To Travel Campaign

Japan’s government will go ahead with a domestic travel campaign starting July 22, but has excluded Tokyo due to a growing number of new cases of coronavirus. Travelers and firms participating in the travel subsidy program will also need to abide by a li

YouTuber Arrested for Theft Positive for COVID

With a strange headline that could only come from this day an age, learn about a Japanese YouTuber who traveled to western Japan, partied with friends, and was arrested for petty theft. All while perhaps inadvertently spreading COVID-19.

Central Japan Railway Adds More Bullet Trains

Central Japan Railway Company increased the number of its Nozomi bullet trains to 12 per hour ahead of the Obon summer vacation.

Best Happoshu 'Near Beers' in Japan

Happoshu is a cheap, beer-adjacent alcoholic beverage ubiquitous in Japan. Here are 5 of the best happoshu to help you stay on budget while still having a good time!

New Hotel Embraces Its Ikebukuro Home

A new hotel embracing minimalism celebrates the neighborhood it's in, Ikebukuro.

Tokyo's Giant Olympic Rings Removed

The Tokyo Olympic Games organizers have removed the giant Olympic rings at Odaiba Marine Park for maintenance.

Saliva Testing for COVID at Japanese Airports

Japan’s government will nearly double the coronavirus testing capacity at international airports such as Haneda by introducing antigen examinations using saliva samples whose results take only about an hour.

Kindergarten Renovated for 100-Year Birthday

Peep this dazzling update to a 100-year-old kindergarten using existing buildings!

know-before-you-go