National / Politics Oct 28, 2021

Japan’s Communists are hardly radical, but make a handy election target

The party, which long ago abandoned Marx and Lenin and never really had time for Stalin or Mao, is about as radical as a beige cardigan.

Lifestyle Oct 24, 2021

Yes, this tiny water cooler capsule toy is 'ridiculous.' Perfect.

Yoshiaki Yamanishi set out to create the most boring toy imaginable. In the booming universe of Japanese capsule vending machines, the competition is strong. Anyone with some pocket change could have been rewarded in recent months with a miniature toy gas meter that doubles as ...

Asia Pacific Sep 30, 2021

How Asia, once a vaccination laggard, is revving up inoculations

Overall, most Asians trusted their governments to do the right thing and put the needs of the community over individual freedoms.

Business / Corporate Aug 26, 2021

Few women ascend Japan’s corporate ladder. Is change finally coming?

Only 6% of board seats at Japanese companies are held by women. After years of unfulfilled promises, these businesses are now facing pressure both at home and abroad to diversify.

National / Crime & Legal Aug 11, 2021

Her death shook Japan. But it may not shift its refugee policy.

A report on the death of a Sri Lankan detainee fails to assign blame to any individuals, nor address some of the more systemic issues with Japan's immigration system.

Business Aug 7, 2021

Tokyo was promised glory and riches. It got an Olympics in a bubble.

The Games failed to live up to their economic promise and cast a harsh light on Japan’s political culture. Some feel “a hunger for a new system.”

National / Social Issues May 19, 2021

Japan left shaken after a detainee, wasting away, dies alone in her cell

Critics of Japan’s immigration system say that Wishma Ratnayake was the victim of an opaque, capricious bureaucracy that has nearly unchecked power over those who run afoul of it.

Business May 1, 2021

A grudge match in Japan: One corner, two 7-Elevens

A fight playing out in Osaka will have ramifications for 7-Eleven and the rest of Japan’s major franchises.

Golf Apr 13, 2021

Ready or not, Hideki Matsuyama is now a national hero in Japan

With his dramatic win at the Masters, the glare of fame will be inescapable for the 29-year-old, who has preferred to focus on improving his game.

National Apr 3, 2021

Japan is finding it harder to stay quiet on China’s abuse of Uyghurs

Public awareness of the issue is growing in the country, spurred in part by the work of Uyghur activists, and that is increasing pressure on the government to take action.