What, exactly, is a "con cafe"? How does it differ from a girls' bar? And can you, as a foreign visitor to Japan, go to either one? Learn more in our comprehensive guide to three different but overlapping nightlife spots, how they work, and what to know before you go.
While most retro toys have fallen by the wayside, capsule toys are having a fourth revival in the mainstream thanks to a new twist on the arcade staple. Learn about how tourism and funny gimmicks are keeping gacha alive in our latest.
With inflation ravaging Japan, the government needs more revenue - but can't get it from cash-strapped citizens. The plan? Get it from tourists. The gov plans to raise visa fees and other levies to fund popular measures such as free high school.
The Mount Tsukuba Cable Car in Ibaraki Prefecture celebrated its 100th year this month. Learn more about the attraction's history, why you should visit, and how its operator is working to balance tourism with preservation.
(Subscriber only) After twenty-six years together as the ruling coalition, Kōmeitō has split from the LDP. The breakup ends one of the longest, most enduring political partnerships in postwar history. How did it all come to an end? Subscribe and read today:
More tourists say they're using AI translation to get around in their host countries. But many admit they don't actually like the experience. Here's why some businesses in Japan hate it too, and what you can do instead of talking through a machine.
What's the most charming place to get your drink on in Tokyo? A review company recently put out its list of the top 10 most popular areas for imbibing. What’s surprising is not which spots made the list, but which prominent location did not.
The Shibuya around Shibuya Scramble is more of a mess than ever. Of course, there's an easy way to avoid this: don't go there! The other option is to go, but take just a few steps away from the madding crowd to "back Shibuya." (Subscriber article)
Stereotypes of Japan as a land of vague meaning and blunted expression are just straight-up Orientalism and obscure a complex reality. Here's why blanket statements about Japanese being a "subtle language" need to be taken with a grain of salt.
https://unseen-japan.com/the-myth-of-japanese-indirectness-and-subtlety/
Currently, fans worldwide have to go through Japanese third parties to access Mercari listings for Japan-exclusive products. The growing market has led to the emergence of specialized aggregation and warehousing services. That's about to change.
More tourists say they're using AI translation to get around in their host countries. But many admit they don't actually like the experience. Here's why some businesses in Japan hate it too, and what you can do instead of talking through a machine.
Unseen Japan