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.






Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
McDonald’s Japan partners with anime English teacher, but did they commit a cultural error?[Video]
Act of Japanese kindness touches one man’s heart, provides hope for elevator etiquette
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Tokyo police arrest two men for theft of 4.98 million-yen Yu-Gi-Oh! card
Ghibli anime Uno and karuta card games a great way to have fun and maybe learn some Japanese【Pics】
Japanese public toilet in Tokyo has windows that change colour when you use it
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
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 reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Tokyo police arrest two men for theft of 4.98 million-yen Yu-Gi-Oh! card
Ghibli anime Uno and karuta card games a great way to have fun and maybe learn some Japanese【Pics】
Japanese public toilet in Tokyo has windows that change colour when you use it
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
We investigate Sendagaya Tunnel and get a message from beyond【Haunted Tokyo】
Say hello to Japan’s new generation of adults, fresh from Kitakyushu’s 2023 seijinshiki ceremony
Naruto jerseys coming to Major Leage Baseball theme nights, Hello Kitty to take over a field
Okinawa man hired to steal 1,500 Pokémon cards arrested in Tokyo
The ancient Japanese textile craft made with jagged fingernails
A late-night visit to Japan’s execution site Cursed Pine Tree【Hunted Tokyo】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made