GIFU PREFECTURE — With the shuttering of a factory belonging to a Sony subsidiary in Minokamo City at the end of this month, it became clear on the 27th that more than 1,000 people stood to be out of work on April 1 due to the closure.
unemployed
Solitary Non-Employed Persons is a term that perhaps many are unfamiliar with. It defines those who are unemployed and, if you exclude relatives, those without any ties in society. These ‘without occupation or social network’ wanderers are referred to in short as “SNEPs”. More specifically, the term can be applied to anyone of the working age 20-59 years who is not enrolled in education, is unemployed, unmarried and has no ties outside of one’s family. And according to reports online, Japan is witnessing a sudden increase in these such people.
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Today
Three new starter Pokémon Jets to fly in Japan, first begins carrying passengers this month
Studio Ghibli calendar figures are back, look amazing whether you check the date or not[Photos]
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Japanese recipe for Tempura Twinkies takes America’s favourite snack to a whole new level
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japan reacts to Donald Trump’s “Islamic Republic of Japan” remark
Enoshima’s magical night lantern festival is back this summer with spectacular views
Solid gold Hedorah kaiju from the Godzilla series is now available to pre-order
Survey shows foreigners’ desire to work in Japan long-term dropping, but that’s not the whole story
Weekly
- Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
- Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japanese airport rebrands itself as “Sushi Airport” to attract foreign tourists
A visit to Sri Lanka’s knockoff knockoff Uniqlo (no, we didn’t stutter) to see its rare “Pikachus”- Japan reacts to Donald Trump’s “Islamic Republic of Japan” remark
- Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
New Mt. Fuji overnight bus takes travelers from downtown Tokyo straight to the most popular hiking trail
7-Eleven Japan releases chocolate cookies that taste like freshly baked melon bread
7-Eleven Japan now has Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, but how do they taste?[Taste test]
Monthly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country- Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad- Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Yearly
- Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo- Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】- Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
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Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japan reacts to Donald Trump’s “Islamic Republic of Japan” remark
Enoshima’s magical night lantern festival is back this summer with spectacular views
Solid gold Hedorah kaiju from the Godzilla series is now available to pre-order
Survey shows foreigners’ desire to work in Japan long-term dropping, but that’s not the whole story
McDonald’s Japan reveals new Pokémon collaboration range, covering McNuggets and lucky bags
Furby is now a sexy anime girl figure[Photos]
Japan’s Pokémon hot spring reinstalls all damaged statues, adds no-touching rule
Hatsune Miku crosses over into the real world in Coolish videos with Hoshimachi Suisei[Videos]
Studio Ghibli theme park’s new dessert is a drinkable version of Hayao Miyazaki’s pilot daydream
Mister Donut becomes “Mrs. Donut” for sweet new Mrs. Green Apple collaboration
3-second salt company jingle becomes #1 karaoke song in Japan across all genres
Suntanned Hello Kitty steals the show in Japanese magazine’s Sanrio freebies
Family Mart changes its Famichiki packaging for the first time in nine years
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