controversial
Model daughter of former SMAP member gets caught up in controversy involving shoes and kimono.
Seductive poses criticised for being disrespectful to Japanese culture.
Japanese net users upset over the power company’s use of a slang term commonly found in anime.
The Internet can’t decide whether this is insanely cute or a prime example of terrible parenting.
Geisha, samurai, manga. Those are the three themes that Peruvian photographer Mario Testino used in his recent photoshoot with Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr for the special 15th anniversary November issue of Vogue Japan. While Kerr is no stranger to Japanese television commercials (need laundry detergent, anyone?), her recent photos have been stirring up controversy due to the ‘vaguely ethnic-looking style’ of the fashion used in the shoot.
Take a look at the photos and then decide for yourself what’s going on here–is it cultural appropriation, or cultural appreciation?












Starbucks Japan teams up with Traveler’s Company for new stationery and goods collection
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Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
Over 400 titles of free translated manga from publisher Shueisha available for a limited time
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Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
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Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
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Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
Over 400 titles of free translated manga from publisher Shueisha available for a limited time
7-Eleven Japan rethinks convenience store drinks with new Grilled Corn Chilled Soup Smoothie
Pokémon comes to McDonald’s Japan for new Happy Meals toys, brings every generation’s starters
Resident Evil’s terrifying Licker becomes a bag in Japan that wants to feed you
Akita Kanto Festival, one of Japan’s most spectacular summer festivals, gets an anime twist this year
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