This is the first article in our brand new “Myth-Busters” series that attempts to provide definitive answers to readers’ questions about Japanese culture, language and concepts. If you’ve ever asked yourself “Is it really true that the Japanese…..?” then just ask us! We’ll let loose the RocketNews24 hound dogs to track down the answer.
Our first myth-busters topic, prompted by a question from a Canadian reader, is hakoirimusume (箱入り娘) or “Daughter in a box,” used to describe a girl who grows up protected by her family, as if being kept in a box. The term originated in the Edo Period (1603-1867), but do such shielded daughters still exist today?
Our hound dogs are on the trail! Results after the jump.

Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Four more things women are banned from doing in Japan【Women in Japan Series】
5 Japanese women who can kick your ass (in martial arts)【Women in Japan Series】
Beyond fruit sandwiches — Japan has cake sandwiches too!【Taste test】
Stay in a hotel in Japan where you can see a UFO
This beautiful Nara inn was once home to a Living National Treasure
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Saitama begins plans to regulate how to use escalators, prohibit walking up and down
Top Japanese baby names for 2025 feature flowers, colors, and a first-time-ever favorite for girls
Believe it or not, this isn’t a Tokyo vending machine – It’s a secret door to deliciousness
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
New Kyoto experience package lets you film epic samurai battles with your friends
Starbucks Japan releases new Christmas drink that can be topped with whipped cream
This Japanese restaurant chain’s triple-decker sushi bowls are a crazy feast for the eyes/stomach
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
JR Hokkaido train driver in trouble for reading book about trains on stopped train
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Studio Ghibli releases new anime tea and mugs in Japan
Japanese hotel chain’s new service: A bed and pajamas for otaku travelers’ plushies
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
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
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
This beautiful Nara inn was once home to a Living National Treasure
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Saitama begins plans to regulate how to use escalators, prohibit walking up and down
Top Japanese baby names for 2025 feature flowers, colors, and a first-time-ever favorite for girls
Believe it or not, this isn’t a Tokyo vending machine – It’s a secret door to deliciousness
Should you turn your bowl upside down after eating at a Japanese restaurant?
Hello Kitty and twin sister celebrate birthday at Baskin-Robbins Japan with special merch, sweets
Japanese oden maker revolutionises the way we eat at home…with a few adjustments
Saitama officially forbids walking up and down escalators
Visiting Dejima, the only island where Westerners were allowed in Japan for hundreds of years
Is it OK to put other food on top of your white rice when eating in Japan?
Awesome website allows you to make your own Dragon Ball character, battle other fighters