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.



Bear attack shelters going on sale in Japan as country experiences record-high number of incidents
We zapped up some tasty hot sandwiches in the microwave with 3COINS’ new gadget from Japan
Totoro, Catbus sleeping bags are perfect place to stay cozy all winter…if you fit inside【Pics】
Secret tourist stop in Japan has a lift car that whisks you away to a mystery mountain destination
Guangdong would rank as the world’s 12th most populous nation, and other fun with China’s census
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
What would anime hit Your Name look like without its biggest storytelling cheat? Manga shows us
Matcha Ofukumochi: One of Japan’s most deliciously direct desserts【Taste test】
Why is Starbucks Japan’s Christmas stollen so good?
Anime Industry Report shows overseas anime market is bigger than Japanese one, but is this a cultural tipping point?
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Never forget that Mister Donut’s super-simple ramen is actually very hard to beat
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Studio Ghibli releases new Ursula’s blanket from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Ghibli Museum clock is now yours to take home with you
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
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
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
What would anime hit Your Name look like without its biggest storytelling cheat? Manga shows us
Matcha Ofukumochi: One of Japan’s most deliciously direct desserts【Taste test】
Why is Starbucks Japan’s Christmas stollen so good?
Anime Industry Report shows overseas anime market is bigger than Japanese one, but is this a cultural tipping point?
This beautiful Nara inn was once home to a Living National Treasure
Tokyo all-you-can-eat senbei deal is perfect for newbies to the world of beloved Japanese snacks
Super-cheap, super-convenient rice-cooking mug is a new kitchen gadget all-star from 3 Coins
Japan’s famous Suica Penguin JR train pass card mascot is “graduating”/being laid off
The 9 types of basketball players in Slam Dunk – which type are you?
Passing the JLPT N1 — Here’s how I did it, so you can too!
We try all-you-can-eat raw eggs for 730 yen, turns out to be way better than it sounds