myths
Does this mean the priest’s purification ritual has placated the beast? Or is it an omen of something else to come?
Studio Ghibli film has eerie parallels with the story of a child who mysteriously went missing for seven days.
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.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Japan’s foreign tourist numbers projected to fall for first time in years in 2026
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Mister Donut and Godiva continue their sweet sweets relationship with new treats on sale now in Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Weekly
- Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】- Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Monthly
- Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
- 10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】- 7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
- Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
- Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
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’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month- Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Yearly
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 releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
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Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Mister Donut and Godiva continue their sweet sweets relationship with new treats on sale now in Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Do Tokyo natives get lost in Shinjuku and Shibuya too? We ask our in-office Tokyo-ites
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
The Sailor Starlights are back in brand-new trailer for Sailor Moon Cosmos anime movie【Video】
Japan’s new “painful sadness” snacks are a deliciously mysterious linguistics lesson【Taste test】
Japan’s famous Suica Penguin JR train pass card mascot is “graduating”/being laid off
Retired sumo champion swaps loincloth for a baker’s apron and their bread wows us 【Taste Test】
Immersive ukiyoe exhibition in Osaka adds some scented flair
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Foreign population in Japan hits record high as Japanese population falls to record low
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