controversy

Hilton Japan apologizes for “disrespectful” ad disparaging traditional Japanese inns

Negative reaction to unfair comparison between ryokan and hotel experiences prompts video takedown.

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Barbenheimer posts cause backlash in Japan, prompting two-sentence apology from Warner Bros.

U.S. studio attempts to dodge backlash by keeping apology low-key, driving #NoBarbenheimer to trend in Japan.

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Men who groped, took upskirt photos of Ghibli Park statues apologize to governor

Three men express remorse for lewd photos taken at Aichi theme park.

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Ghibli Park visitors caught in lewd acts with anime character figures

The silence from Studio Ghibli regarding the matter has landed it in hot water.

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Ghibli Park benches spark debate in Japan

One person’s cute anime flourish is another person’s hostile design.

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Survey shows that not many people are into the idea of Sapporo hosting the 2030 Winter Olympics

Public opinion is divided, and netizens show strong opposition. 

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Japanese pro gamer kicked off e-sports team after saying short men shouldn’t have human rights

Tekken pro asks guys under 170 centimeters (67 inches) tall to “please live your life with the idea ‘I have no human rights’ in your mind.”

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Sales of My Melody merchandise featuring Sanrio character’s mom’s life advice get cancelled

Decision follows backlash to advice such as “A woman’s enemy is always other women,” but not everyone is happy.

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Episode of Gunma-chan anime deemed not suitable for children and shelved

What has that little horsey gotten itself into?

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Miss Universe 2021 Japan entry slammed for wearing “dead person’s kimono”

“Cool Japan” take on national costume criticised as an “insult” to Japanese culture. 

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Tokyo museum apologizes for calling Demon Slayer’s brothel district setting a “glamorous world”

As hit anime’s “Entertainment District Arc” kicks off, Edo-Tokyo Museum reaffirms commitment to telling the complete real-world story.

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Is Ariana Grande “Asian Fishing”? Japanese netizens weigh in on the drama

What do people in Japan think of the star’s controversial new look? 

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Boys’ love at the temple? Sensual ikemen art that raised eyebrows in Japan now set to be removed

Modern makeover at centuries-old temple comes to an end, but not for rumoured reasons.

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Anime tie-up with Japanese onsen town causes public outcry, officials double-down on collaboration

Backlash against Onsen Musume Project prompts a slinging match between feminists and otaku.

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Japanese government removes controversial radioactive material illustration video and pamphlet

Awareness campaign for plan to dump radioactive water into ocean lands creators in hot water.

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Tokyo Olympics losing volunteers even after president’s resignation for sexist remarks

Games are scheduled to start in less than five months.

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Tokyo Olympics organizing committee president resigns over sexist remarks

Yoshiro Mori apologizes, insists “I have supported all women.”

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Tokyo Olympic chief may resign over misogynistic remarks, promises statement

Over 500 volunteers have quit following Yoshiro Mori’s controversial remarks about how much women talk.

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Female politicians stage “white action” protest against Tokyo Olympic head’s misogynist remarks

Group takes inspiration from similar protest in the U.S.

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Head of Tokyo Olympics doesn’t want women in leadership roles because he thinks they talk too much

”Women, they have a very competitive nature.”

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