Are you terrified of large crowds? Does the thought of a night out clubbing fill you with dread? Have you withdrawn into a dark room, filled only with the blue light of your computer screen, desperate to avoid the horror of having to talk to a store clerk. Well, you’re not the only one, even though it might feel like it. In fact, if the number of hikikomori (socially withdrawn people who’ve isolated themselves from the outside world) is any indication, Japan is packed with shy, introverted people!
Thankfully, the Internet has allowed the shy and introverted to come together and share their experiences. Check out these comments from the Japanese website Aru Aru Matsuri and see how many you can sympathize with.
The meaning of the mandarin and 6 other Japanese New Year traditions explained
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New rules allow Japanese adult film actresses to stop the sale of their videos after five years
Studio Ghibli unleashes Turnip Head on the world
Island-hopping by rental bike on Japan’s awesome Shimanami Kaido cycling road
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
Hey, Japanese taxi driver! Take us to the best Turkish rice restaurant in Nagasaki!
Hokkaido wild marijuana removal efforts can’t keep up with rate of growth
Rumors say Tokyo’s Sensoji Temple sticks you with bad fortunes, so we bought 100 to find out
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
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Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
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Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
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Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
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Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
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Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Island-hopping by rental bike on Japan’s awesome Shimanami Kaido cycling road
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
Hey, Japanese taxi driver! Take us to the best Turkish rice restaurant in Nagasaki!
Hokkaido wild marijuana removal efforts can’t keep up with rate of growth
Rumors say Tokyo’s Sensoji Temple sticks you with bad fortunes, so we bought 100 to find out
In Hokkaido there’s weed, weed everywhere, but not a drop to smoke
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
How to speak Japanese like a gyaru【2024 edition】
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Store where you pay to shoplift returns to Tokyo
Free alcohol and curry make this cheap capsule hotel near Shinjuku Station a great place to stay