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
Brand-new Square Enix Cafe to open in Tokyo…and in Los Angeles too!
Hello Kitty is now a transforming truck robot[Photos]
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
McDonald’s and Gundam team up for customized anime mecha and fried chicken sandwiches[Video]
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
7-Eleven Japan’s cooked-in-store takoyaki is here! How does it fare against the street food king?
What’s up with the “mosquito buzz” noise at Shibuya Station?
Buddhist priest arrested for using health insurance card he found on the street
Foreign tourists spending at Japanese department stores dropping rapidly, study says
Love Live! goes metal, with new line of nippers
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides
Tinder just opened a convenience store in Japan, aimed at adults only
Japan is so hungry for workers it used up its five-year visa quota in record time
“Disaster”: 2018 Kanji of the Year unveiled by Buddhist monk at Kiyomizudera temple in Kyoto
Tsujihan sushi bowl restaurant goes viral with foreign tourists, but is it worth the hype?
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
7-Eleven Japan’s cooked-in-store takoyaki is here! How does it fare against the street food king?
What’s up with the “mosquito buzz” noise at Shibuya Station?
Buddhist priest arrested for using health insurance card he found on the street
Foreign tourists spending at Japanese department stores dropping rapidly, study says
Love Live! goes metal, with new line of nippers
Yoshinoya invites you to give the gift of beef bowls this Mother’s Day
Studio Ghibli announces first new short anime film in 8 years, exclusive to Ghibli Park
McDonald’s Japan adds new Hello Kitty and Pompompurin drinks to the menu for a limited time
Awesome Japanese sandals give you the footprints of a cat or T-rex
Burger King Japan launches King Fusion, and the possibilities are endless (and delicious)
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
Japanese people reveal the six western foods they find most disgusting