Reporters need to tread a fine line to get the news in the public interest out there, but also avoid liability in the form of defamation actions or other legal trouble. Japanese news, especially when reporting on crime, is characterised by a highly cautious tone. This cautiousness is not just…
Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go is a hauntingly beautiful and thought-provoking exploration of memory, identity, and the ethical limits of science. Set in an alternate England where clones are bred for the sole purpose of donating their organs to those in need, the novel centers on three characters—Kathy, Tommy,…
In Japan, convenience stores, or コンビニ, are not just places to grab a snack or a drink on the go; they have become an integral part of daily life. From urban centres to rural villages, the reach of コンビニ is extensive, and their importance goes far beyond mere convenience. With…
Honda and Nissan are reportedly in talks for a potential merger to better compete with global electric vehicle (EV) leaders like Tesla and Chinese automakers such as BYD. The merger discussions were initiated due to the increasing competition in the EV market and Nissan’s financial struggles. Honda’s market capitalisation of…
If you’ve spent any time exploring Japanese culture or language, you might have come across the term 恋みくじ. It was the 4th most searched term according to Google Trends for 2024, but what exactly is it, and why has it captured the attention of so many for so long in…
Japan’s economy is undergoing a major transformation as the country embraces digital technologies and innovation to remain competitive on the global stage. While many view Japan as brimming with the latest technology and gadgets, the reality on the ground is often quite far from this. From advancements in robotics and…
In recent years, the landscape of language learning has undergone a significant transformation. With the advent of technology, traditional methods of studying Japanese are being enhanced and sometimes replaced by digital tools that cater to a variety of learning styles and can both enhance and make learning more efficient. From…
If you’ve ever tried learning Japanese, you might have stumbled across a fascinating aspect of the language that leaves many learners both amused and bewildered: words that that fall under various linguistic labels such as phenomimes and onomatopes. Phenomime: A word or phrase that mimics a certain physical form or motion Onomatope:…
In Japan, the culture of 部活 (ぶかつ), or after-school club activities, plays a significant role in the lives of students. These clubs, which encompass a wide range of sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities, offer students an opportunity to engage, grow, and connect outside of the classroom. Particularly popular among…
In recent years, the phenomenon known as トー横キッズ (Tōyoko Kids) has emerged as a distinctive feature of urban youth culture in Yokohama. This group of young individuals, often seen sitting on the streets and engaging in various activities, reflects broader social dynamics and issues affecting Japan’s youth today. In this…