Decades ago, studying Japanese required flipping through heavy paper dictionaries or carrying a denshi jisho (a pocket-sized electronic dictionary) that instantly became the ultimate status symbol for ...

JR East is retiring the iconic Suica Penguin after 25 years. Are the bizarre new mascot candidates really that bad, or is all of Japan just grieving?

It may surprise you to know there are close to 100 different gestures regularly used by Japanese people to communicate with friends, colleagues and the general public. While most of those used by ...

Computer literacy is basic, nontechnical knowledge about computing and software. However, it should also include digital literacy, such as knowing what websites may be harmful or how to interact with ...

Bowing is a big deal in Japan. It shows respect, gratitude, apology, or just good manners—and yes, there are rules. While you might think going for the deepest bow possible shows extra respect, that’s ...

In 2026, a bunch of legal and system changes kick in that will affect how you work, commute, get medical care, buy property and generally exist without getting yelled at by a kiosk. Some of these are ...

You don’t need to pay for spirituality. Japanese cults often draw from ancient religious and philosophical traditions that have shaped the country’s history. Shinto, the indigenous religion, remained ...

Learn about self-defense laws in Japan, including what counts as reasonable defense, when it's allowed, and how important it is to walk away. So you’re out enjoying a night in Japan, drinking at an ...

There are many reasons why foreign workers in Japan choose to work for a haken gaisha (派遣会社, dispatch company). These companies make it easier to find a job in Japan, especially for those without ...

Japan is the birthplace of many martial arts. Aikido was founded in Ibaraki by Ueshiba Morihei. Mitsuyo Maeda, born in Aomori, pioneered mixed martial arts (MMA) after traveling the world to spread ...

Green Co-op specializes in connecting consumers with producers. From meats, fish and produce to cosmetic goods and daily necessities, this non-profit organization values sustainable eating. One of the ...

Japan’s universities are becoming more international, with top schools like the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University regularly ranking among the world’s best. However, the language barrier can be ...