The decision to host the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo has been met with much excitement from the majority of Japan. The news spread quickly between citizens of the island nation, and Japan’s Stock Exchange flourished in the wake of the announcement. However, the underbelly of Japan’s urban life might not be so happy with the news. In the days leading up to international events such as these, law makers and enforcement officials have a tendency to crack down on some of the morally ambiguous crimes that they would normally turn a blind eye towards. For example, around the time of the 2002 FIFA World Cup hosted in Japan and Korea, metropolitan areas saw some high-level crackdown on brothels and other sex-selling establishments.
If we anticipate the same sort of rally to clean up the streets in the years leading up to 2020, then modern red-light districts, like Yoshiwara and Kabukicho in Shinjuku, had better buckle down for some legal disruption. These regions, often referred to as “soap streets” are presumably on the brink of a massive clean-up. And yet, it appears that the famous electronics district and otaku haven, Akihabara, may be the first to suffer a heavy blow in spite the decidedly 2-D nature of its choice adult entertainment. Read More
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
McDonald’s Japan adds new Hello Kitty and Pompompurin drinks to the menu for a limited time
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
Japanese drugstore sells onigiri at pre-stupid era prices, but how do they compare to 7-Eleven?
Japan named most sleep-deprived country for fourth year in a row, according to survey
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
Japan’s 30 Best Selling Video Games of All Time
Kyoto has had enough of rude tourists, created an infographic to show how to visit politely
Tokyo yakiniku restaurant will hook you up with 2.9 kilos (6.4 pounds) of beef for less than US$3
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years
Pokémon lacquerware series expands for Year of the Horse with new handcrafted design[Video]
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
Tokyo subway and almost all Tokyo train lines now accepting credit card tap payments
Totoro Fund line of beautiful artwork and apparel lets you help the real-world Totoro Forest
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli adds new My Neighbour Totoro 2026 Corn Gift to its anime store for Mother’s Day
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Japan named most sleep-deprived country for fourth year in a row, according to survey
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
Japan’s 30 Best Selling Video Games of All Time
Kyoto has had enough of rude tourists, created an infographic to show how to visit politely
Tokyo yakiniku restaurant will hook you up with 2.9 kilos (6.4 pounds) of beef for less than US$3
New Japanese KitKats come in sakura flavour, with poetic symbolism for success
Japan super budget dining – What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at Hama Sushi?
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Getting a driver’s license in Japan the hard way: The first written test
A Kyoto factory vending machine sells gourmet mystery meals at bargain prices
Fatal stabbing at Pokémon Center in Tokyo reignites concern over rising stalking cases in Japan