Japan Culture

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2025

Ossan Rental: The trend of renting uncles and grandparents in Japan

A Japanese service that turns loneliness into a paid companion — and what it reveals about modern Japan.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2025

What are "kira-kira names" and why is the government regulating them?

From Akuma to Pikachu: how Japan is finally drawing the line on flashy baby names.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2018

10 Japanese martial arts worth knowing

From Judo to Ninjutsu: a friendly introduction to Budo and Bujutsu.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2017

80 Social networks of Japan

Which networks, apps and platforms are actually used in Japan — from LINE to Mixi.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2017

Hachiko: The story of the loyal dog

How an Akita from Shibuya became a symbol of loyalty in Japan.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2017

Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku: Why It Closed and What Replaced It

The famous neon show is gone, but its Kabukicho legacy still shapes how travelers see Shinjuku nights.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2017

Discover the incredible Nagoya Castle

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2017

Curiosities about Shokugeki no Souma

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2017

Robot Restaurant – getting to know the popular Shinjuku destination

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2017

Kasa – umbrellas and parasols that only exist in Japan

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2017

Monster Parents – the monster and overprotective parents

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2017

8 types of people we encounter on trains in Japan

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2017

Oppai Bokin and "Free Oppai" in Japan

What Oppai Bokin was, why the charity stunt drew backlash, and how it differed from the later Free Oppai incident in Shibuya.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2017

Driving in Japan: what the streets and traffic reveal about daily life

From stop signs and toll roads to narrow residential lanes, this is what makes everyday traffic in Japan feel so different.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 16, 2016

Experiences do not define Japan.

Why a holiday, a language school year, or a factory shift is not enough to explain an entire country.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 16, 2016

Things you didn't know about sports in Japan.

From bukatsu and kendo to sumo, NPB and the Nenrinpics: what really shapes sport in Japan beyond the clichés.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2016

Sutanpu - Tourist stamps and train station stamps in Japan

A small tradition that makes your trip through Japan feel a little more personal

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2016

How to express longing in Japanese?

Japanese words for a feeling that no single word can capture.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2016

5円 Goen: The Lucky Coin and the Hole in the Middle

Wordplay, shrine offerings, and the hole in Japan’s famous brass coin

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2016

Why don't the Japanese accept tips?

Why tips get refused in Japan—and how to show thanks without awkward cash on the table

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2016

Undokai: Japan's School Sports Day Explained

Flags over the schoolyard, red vs white teams, and a full day that is more than just racing.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2016

Rice Fields in Japan: Tanada, Cultivation, and Culture

From flat tanbo to mountain terraces: how rice paddies shape Japan

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2016

The 10 richest people in Japan in 2026

Who leads Japan’s billionaire list—and how far ahead is the global top?

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2015

Yakuza Tattoos: History, Meaning, and Modern Stigma

What irezumi means inside and outside the Yakuza.