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.
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Kyoto raises hotel accommodation tax to fight overtourism, travelers could pay up to 10 times more
Lawson adds doughnuts to its convenience store sweets range, but are they good enough to go viral?
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 2]
New Attack on Titan theme park attraction coming to Fuji-Q Highland
Chance to play Teris on a massive staircase in Kyoto Station coming in March
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 1]
Sakura Festival in Chiyoda mixes illuminations, boats, music, and Rilakkuma in the heart of Tokyo
Cherry blossom sake rice beer arriving in Japan well ahead of cherry blossom season, but how?
The best Hobonichi diaries, covers and stationery for 2026
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japanese restaurant chain serves Dragon Ball donuts and Senzu Beans this spring
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo sky
Japan has only one airport named after a samurai, so let’s check out Kochi Ryoma【Photos】
Japan’s craziest burger chain takes menchi katsu to new extreme levels
Japanese drugstore sells onigiri at pre-stupid era prices, but how do they compare to 7-Eleven?
Yakuzen ramen restaurant in Tokyo is very different to a yakuza ramen restaurant
Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
Chance to play Teris on a massive staircase in Kyoto Station coming in March
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 1]
Sakura Festival in Chiyoda mixes illuminations, boats, music, and Rilakkuma in the heart of Tokyo
Cherry blossom sake rice beer arriving in Japan well ahead of cherry blossom season, but how?
The best Hobonichi diaries, covers and stationery for 2026
Viral Japanese cheesecake from Osaka has a lesser known rival called Aunt Wanda
Tokyo street sweets: The must-snack treats of Nakano’s Refutei
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Saitama is home to the best strawberries in Japan that you’ve probably never even heard of
One-handed pizza from Domino’s Japan is the ultimate convenience
Sumikkogurashi cafes coming to five cities, may be so cute/cozy you’ll never want to leave【Pics】
From the Grape Picker to the Alchemist: anime-decorated “ita bags” now come in six categories
Decorative animal toys with massive chins now a thing in Japan for some reason