If you’re planning a trip to Japan and wondering where to go for an all-around great experience, AEON Mall is one of the best choices you can make. Found all across Japan and catering to people of all ages, AEON Mall offers more than just shopping, it’s a one-stop indoor…
In recent years, 推し活 (おしかつ)—loosely translated as “supporting activities” for a favourite celebrity, idol, or character—has grown into a defining element of modern Japanese fan culture. More than just casual fandom, oshikatsu represents a structured, emotionally driven lifestyle where fans invest significant time, money, and passion in their oshi (推し)—the…
In recent months, フジテレビ (Fuji Media Holdings), a prominent Japanese broadcaster, has been at the center of a significant scandal involving allegations of sexual misconduct by one of its former star presenters, 中居 正広 (なかい まさひろ). This controversy has led to executive resignations, a mass exodus of advertisers, and a…
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…
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…
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…