Earlier this year, news of a letter sent to presidents of national universities—purportedly telling them to get rid of or modify their humanities departments to better “benefit” Japanese society—spread across the Internet. Since then, it has even been picked up by some high-profile English sites, with considerable (and understandable) consternation. And you can believe there were academics in Japan who were incensed at the idea as well.
But is it actually going to happen? It turns out the short answer is a weak “probably not.” The long answer, though, is a bit more complicated.
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
Chinese government’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning has heartwarming non-effect on Yokohama Chinatown
Burger King Japan’s newest all-you-can-eat burger deal is its smelliest yet
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Find a red envelope on the ground? Here’s why you should never pick it up
Nintendo releases Metroid-shaped ice cube/cooking tray and Samus arm cannon pillow【Pics】
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Tokyo National Museum seeking donations to pave over pond, create space for beer and music events
Popular Japanese ramen restaurant Ichiran’s lucky bags are great value for money
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Studio Ghibli stamps lift your spirits with motivational phrases from Totoro
New fish discovered and named “Vanderhorstia supersaiyan” for obvious reasons
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Find a red envelope on the ground? Here’s why you should never pick it up
Nintendo releases Metroid-shaped ice cube/cooking tray and Samus arm cannon pillow【Pics】
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Tokyo National Museum seeking donations to pave over pond, create space for beer and music events
Popular Japanese ramen restaurant Ichiran’s lucky bags are great value for money
Japanese police attempting to clamp down on “zombie cigarettes”
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
Hello Kitty goes back to the ‘90s for Sanrio’s kogyaru schoolgirl collection【Photos】
New vending machines around Japan dispense popular Pokémon goods with interactive Pikachu
Tokyo cafe serves special drinks and desserts for your anime crush, welcomes otaku/fujoshi diners
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
Super-detailed cherry blossom forecast maps show early arrival for Japan’s 2024 sakura season
Japanese restaurant chain installs tip boxes in response to foreign tourists leaving tips, sparks debate