Verdict handed down in multi-year fight between facial hair and Municipal Transportation Bureau.
beards
Fans of the hit anime Attack on Titan may also know it by its original Japanese title, Shingeki no Kyojin, which literally translates to “Advancing Giants.”
Giants aren’t the only thing advancing upon us, though, because now there’s an unusual advertising campaign announcing the arrival of Shingeki no Bijin, or Advancing Beauties, and the war we’re fighting is the war on body hair.
Live overseas for long enough, and you’ll start to experience reverse culture shock on your visits home. On my last trip back to L.A., I was surprised to see how popular beards have gotten in the States, and judging from the foreign travelers I see here in Japan, they’re just as trendy throughout western Europe.
As someone whose Arabic ancestry means every day is a battle against a phalanx of facial hair, I have to say I can see an upside to this new golden era for beards. But, as with any decision a man makes, it’s important to first ask yourself that critical question, “Will this make women think I look cool?” To help answer that question, today we’re looking at the results of a survey asking Japanese women whether or not they like a guy with a beard.



Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Site of Japan’s most famous samurai murder is now a Kyoto karaoke joint
【Exploring Unfamiliar Japan】We stayed in a 120-year-old Japanese home, here’s how you can too
You can now buy Shinkansen first-class oshibori moist towelettes online, no ticket required
You can now visit a recreation of Evangelion’s Tokyo-3 and live there in miniature form in【Pics】
Japan’s 10 most beautiful hydrangea spots to visit【Photos】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
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
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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
Site of Japan’s most famous samurai murder is now a Kyoto karaoke joint
【Exploring Unfamiliar Japan】We stayed in a 120-year-old Japanese home, here’s how you can too
You can now buy Shinkansen first-class oshibori moist towelettes online, no ticket required
You can now visit a recreation of Evangelion’s Tokyo-3 and live there in miniature form in【Pics】
Japan’s 10 most beautiful hydrangea spots to visit【Photos】
Awesome website allows you to make your own Dragon Ball character, battle other fighters
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Yoshinoya’s Pokémon beef and curry bowls return and bring Pikachu along for the fun【Photos】
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building serves up an exclusive ramen
Which Japanese convenience store sells the best onigiri rice balls?【Taste test】
AR sport Hado added to Shizuoka high school curriculum
Japan now has Ronuts, donuts topped with slices of cake for two-in-one dessert decadence