It’s almost summer and that means a lot of stuff in Japan—Golden Week, brain melting humidity, Obon, and of course, horror movies and haunted houses. While many people in the west binge on horror flicks and spooky attractions as Halloween nears, Japanese people tend to get their fright on during the summer months.
We recently caught up with Margee Kerr, a sociologist who studies fear and helps the world famous ScareHouse terrify their patrons—in a good way of course! Margee was in Japan studying how fear works across different cultures and we were excited to learn about the similarities and differences in the reactions between Japan and America to horror. Check out our interview with a true master of fear at one of Tokyo’s scariest bars: Yurei Izakaya in Kichijoji!

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Japan’s plus-sized idol singer group releases new video about the joys of eating【Video】
This overlooked neighborhood east of Tokyo is awesome in many ways, left us with just one regret
Why do tourists eat noodles with a green onion instead of chopsticks in this Edo town?
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
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Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
We zapped up some tasty hot sandwiches in the microwave with 3COINS’ new gadget from Japan
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Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
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Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Ghibli Museum clock is now yours to take home with you
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases the new Soupuccino, but is it everything it’s cracked up to be?
Nintendo’s Kirby zooms into Japanese convenience stores Family Mart’s Super Satisfied Fest
Japan’s plus-sized idol singer group releases new video about the joys of eating【Video】
This overlooked neighborhood east of Tokyo is awesome in many ways, left us with just one regret
Why do tourists eat noodles with a green onion instead of chopsticks in this Edo town?
Top Japanese baby names for 2025 feature flowers, colors, and a first-time-ever favorite for girls
Mos Burger spices things up with a brand-new gochujang burger they promise is addictingly good
Kirby mochi arrives at Family Mart, but is it as sweet to eat as it is to look at?【Taste test】
Every weekend is an itasha car show at Akihabara’s UDX parking garage
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Little witch Kiki and Little Mermaid Bakery bake three special pastries, we eat them all
Totoro Tummy Blanket gives you the belly warmth of Ghibli’s cuddliest character【Photos】
Does the maxixe live up to its promise of being a whole new flavor for our Japanese reporter?