obachan
Don’t call it a comeback. They’ve been here for years, dispensing candy and unsolicited advice.
Coming to Japan and dressing up like a geisha is a bit like going to the USA and dressing up as a confederate soldier. Sure it’s fun, but it doesn’t really reflect modern society. What you need to feel the Japan of today is leopard print…and lots of it!
Typified by the saccharine songs of AKB48, the Japanese idol world is largely the province of the young. One rarely expects to see a singer over the age of 25 among the mini-skirt-clad ranks of the ultra-kawaii groups.
Usually.
A group from Osaka—called Obachaaan—are ready to change that up.
In Japanese, obachan is a word that means aunt, but is sometimes used to refer to a middle-aged or elderly woman in a derogatory way. There is no good translation in English, but the image is of an eccentric, loud, irritating busybody long past youth or beauty. Not many women would choose to apply this word to themselves, but a new political party has emerged out of Osaka that is proudly claiming ownership of the word and attempting to reform the image of Japan’s obachans. We went to find out more about this All Japan Obasan Party. Read More
MOST POPULAR
Now
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Satisfy your sweet tooth with cheesecake and more all-you-can-eat sweets at Cheese Garden
Paying for prostitution isn’t illegal in Japan, but it could be soon
Man in Japan takes four parakeets hostage in attempt to force woman to meet with him
Our reporter is willing to die on the pseudo-Italian restaurant Olive Hill
Five amazing snow-view open-air Japanese hot springs in Hokkaido [Photos]
McDonald’s Japan hack: What happens when you put an apple pie inside a Big Mac?
Trial of man accused of kicking rabbits to death on Japan’s rabbit island comes to an end
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Weekly
- Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam- A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
- Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
New Family Mart cinema opens inside Japanese airport
Man arrested in Japan after leaving car in coin parking lot for six years, racking up three-million-yen bill
Monthly
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima- Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
- Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
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- 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
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Our reporter is willing to die on the pseudo-Italian restaurant Olive Hill
Five amazing snow-view open-air Japanese hot springs in Hokkaido [Photos]
McDonald’s Japan hack: What happens when you put an apple pie inside a Big Mac?
Trial of man accused of kicking rabbits to death on Japan’s rabbit island comes to an end
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Man arrested in Japan after leaving car in coin parking lot for six years, racking up three-million-yen bill
How to properly eat a traditional Japanese tonkatsu meal
You Can Have Your Very Own Whale Party on iPhone Messages In Just a Few Simple Steps
Does this egg timer from Japanese 100-yen store Daiso really work?
All Tokyo public high schools abolish rules forcing students to dye non-black hair, underwear color regs
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Foreigner and skiing pals get lost in Japan, call cops for help, ignore them when they call back
Eurobeat intensifies! Initial D sequel anime will stay the course with dance music soundtrack【Vid】
-
