Entertainment News Jul 7, 2022

Author of manga 'Yu-Gi-Oh!' Kazuki Takahashi found dead in Okinawa

Takahashi's works are hugely popular at home and abroad, with his manga turned into a television series, movies and card games.

National Jul 3, 2022

Japan’s secret to taming the coronavirus: peer pressure

The country has never mandated masks or vaccinations, but it’s evaded the worst of COVID-19, thanks to a fear of public shaming and the “self restraint police.”

Business Jun 24, 2022

Japan 7-Eleven franchisee who rebelled against company loses in court

A judge ordered Mitoshi Matsumoto to hand his store, which he opened in 2012, over to the company and pay damages for lost business.

Business / Economy May 12, 2022

Japan has long sought more inflation and a weak yen. But not like this.

While overall inflation remains moderate, food and energy costs are rising rapidly — an outgrowth not of increased demand, but of market turmoil.

Business Apr 28, 2022

Can Japan keep the lights on? The Ukraine war upends a big energy bet.

Liquefied natural gas was seen as a crucial transitional fuel in Japan's gradual shift to renewable energy. But then came the pandemic and the Ukraine war, which caused prices to soar.

Lifestyle Apr 25, 2022

This man married a fictional character. He’d like you to hear him out.

Akihiko Kondo and thousands of others are in devoted fictional relationships, served by a vast industry aimed at satisfying the desires of a fervent fan culture.

National Apr 4, 2022

Asia welcomes travelers, but Japan says, not yet

Countries across region are reopening borders to tourists, but Japan continues to turn them away. And it is not rushing to change things.

Digital Mar 17, 2022

Beating Japan at its own (video) game: A smash hit from China

Genshin Impact, one of the world’s hottest mobile games, has all the characteristics of a Japanese invention: giant robots and characters with huge eyes and spiky, rainbow-colored hair.

National / Social Issues Feb 3, 2022

In Japan, a thousand digital eyes keep watch over the elderly

The surveillance programs offer the promise of protecting those in cognitive decline while helping them retain some independence, but they have also evoked fears of authoritarian overreach.

DEEP DIVE Jan 19, 2022

Trouble in paradise: Why is Ishigaki building a missile base?

The New York Times' Ben Dooley joins Deep Dive to discuss his recent reporting trip to Ishigaki, and why the island is currently building a missile base.