society

Defacing the Japanese flag is now a crime, says government, punishable by up to two years in jail

Causing “unpleasantness” could put you behind bars.

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After job-quitting service, leave-of-absence-request proxy service sees rising demand in Japan

Sometimes you need to tell your bosses you need a break, but you need someone else to be the one to tell them.

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Survey shows foreigners’ desire to work in Japan long-term dropping, but that’s not the whole story

Annual study finds sharp decline in interest among foreign residents to stick around for the long haul, but it’s probably leaving out some differing voices.

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Japan’s Hormuz-triggered black-and-white potato chip bags regain some, but not all, color

Calbee’s potato chips and shrimp chips get partway back to normal as war in Iran drags on.

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Japan announces plans for twenty-fold increase in permanent residency fees, alongside higher visa costs

Government reveals long-awaited fee schedule ahead of proposed October implementation.

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Japan moves to enforce language requirements for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency

Programmes on community etiquette may also become part of the screening process.

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Japan has a new maid school, and it’s now accepting applicants for its first term

Butler Association Japan wants to provide training in legitimate maid skills, but says they can be applied to other professional fields as well.

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Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country

As of July, it now costs more both to enter and leave Japan.

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Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train

While waiting for the train, there’s always one spot he hopes will be empty when it comes.

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Tokyo cops arrest foreigner for suspected visa violation, don’t know what new residence cards look like

Seems like the people doing on-the-street immigration checks should know what immigration documents look like, doesn’t it?

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Married Japanese man must pay 4.6 million yen after faking being single and impregnating partner

Falsifying a relationship status can land you with a massive bill.

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Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country

First increase to visa fees in nearly 50 years will affect some arriving foreigners more than others.

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Japanese soccer fans show excellent manners as World Cup opens[Pics, video]

Chants and headbands aren’t the only tradition supporters of Japan’s sports teams bring with them when attending events overseas.

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Pachinko machines get new life and become big hit in Japanese assisted care facility

Better living through chrome-plated balls.

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Order a cocktail, support a senior with Shinjuku Day Service Mojito at a handful of businesses

A new model of urban community collaboration in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho area connects the generations using mint as a bridge.

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Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform

School getting ready for its 80th birthday makes a modern addition to its uniform options.

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Japanese government postpones proposals to restrict real estate purchases by foreigners

Rising security and economic tensions prompting consideration of new rules to make it harder for foreigners to buy property in Japan.

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New littering fine now being enforced in some of Tokyo’s most heavily touristed areas

Littering in Shibuya will get you a fine that must be paid on the spot.

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What’s up with the Ghibli Park photo and video ban?

Theme park prohibition strangely opens the door to a new kind of creative freedom. 

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Same name tops lists of most popular dog and cat names in Japan, and there’s probably a reason why

Cultural quirks have a hand in making the same name the favorite for dogs and cats in annual study.

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