When it comes to North Korea it is almost impossible to tell the difference between truth and rumor. And, you know, the reclusive country really has to shoulder some of the blame here–it’s hard to do fact checking when your subject responds to questions with poorly aimed missile launches!
However, when news broke last week that Pyongyang was now requiring all male university students to cut their hair like Kim Jong-un, we couldn’t stop an eyebrow from rising and thinking, “Wait, really?” As for whether or not it’s true, well, we think we have a solid answer…or as close to a solid answer as you can get when it comes to North Korea.
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
This quiet forest cafe in Japan lets you read all day in the house of a famous author
Things get heavy with the Gold Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard
Majority of Japanese mayors say foreign residents are essential but most see good and bad effects
Here’s what our bachelor writers ate over the New Year’s holiday in Japan
Draco Malfoy himself comes to Tokyo to visit Harajuku’s brand-new Harry Potter store【Photos】
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
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
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】
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
This quiet forest cafe in Japan lets you read all day in the house of a famous author
Things get heavy with the Gold Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard
Majority of Japanese mayors say foreign residents are essential but most see good and bad effects
Here’s what our bachelor writers ate over the New Year’s holiday in Japan
Draco Malfoy himself comes to Tokyo to visit Harajuku’s brand-new Harry Potter store【Photos】
Mr. Sato attempts to battle his butt forest with Japan’s affordable Osu! Ass Hair Trimmer
Nearly one in ten young adults living in Japan isn’t ethnically Japanese, statistics show
Brand-new theme park in Japan charges foreign tourists 25 percent more than locals for tickets
Tokyo has a brand new Harry Potter shop with its own butterbeer bar – Let’s see what’s inside【Pics】
Three Inuyasha cafes opening in Japan to celebrate sequel series to Rumiko Takahashi hit
Celebrating washoku and rice — an evening with master chefs and sushi roll creators (Part 1)
Four Shinto shrines to pray for love at in Japan to start the New Year
Chiikawa Bakery launches a limited-time menu of sunburned characters and refreshing drinks
Private booths are coming to Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains even sooner than we’d thought【Video】