fear
It’s almost summer and that means a lot of stuff in Japan—Golden Week, brain melting humidity, Obon, and of course, horror movies and haunted houses. While many people in the west binge on horror flicks and spooky attractions as Halloween nears, Japanese people tend to get their fright on during the summer months.
We recently caught up with Margee Kerr, a sociologist who studies fear and helps the world famous ScareHouse terrify their patrons—in a good way of course! Margee was in Japan studying how fear works across different cultures and we were excited to learn about the similarities and differences in the reactions between Japan and America to horror. Check out our interview with a true master of fear at one of Tokyo’s scariest bars: Yurei Izakaya in Kichijoji!
There’s a lot of talk about omega-3 fatty acids and their controversial health benefits ranging from cancer to joint pain and even mental disorders. And now it looks as if a team led by Masayuki Sekiguchi at the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP) in Tokyo have found another thing omega-3 possibly cures: lingering fear.



Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Foreign tourist steals offering and chugs booze in Japanese cemetery, sparking police investigation
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Cherry blossom sake rice beer arriving in Japan well ahead of cherry blossom season, but how?
“The revolutionary way to pick your nose!” We try out the Nose Picker
Japanese government considering raising foreign resident visa renewal fees by 400 percent or more
Host your very own Japanese summer festival with these DIY carnival game stands
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Studio Ghibli releases Spirited Away bags in Japan, based on a mysterious festival
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
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Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
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China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
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
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
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Cherry blossom sake rice beer arriving in Japan well ahead of cherry blossom season, but how?
“The revolutionary way to pick your nose!” We try out the Nose Picker
Japanese government considering raising foreign resident visa renewal fees by 400 percent or more
Host your very own Japanese summer festival with these DIY carnival game stands
Official Initial D/Toyota videos bring together and anime and real-life drift kings【Videos】
Can’t have a pet in your home? This purring cat cushion is the purr-fect substitute
This gigantic judo dojo-sized hotel room will make you feel like royalty, but it’s disappearing soon
The mystery of the phantom “sake pass card” at Japanese alcohol vending machines
McDonald’s Japan renews the Samurai Mac, but not everyone will be happy with the new warrior