University means a lot of things to people, but most of us have the same initial thought when we receive that glorious acceptance letter: FREEDOM! You are rid of your parents, can ignore those pesky siblings and finally carve out your own space in the world. You get to experience all sorts of the highs and lows, like living on your own for the first time, cooking for yourself and being the only one who cares if you make it to class.
All the responsibility lies with the student; university is the time for coming of age and shaping the adult that you will be. Recently though, Japanese parents have become increasingly vocal about their concerns for their children and the fact that there are not many support systems in place to give the parents some peace of mind. Well, as it turns out, the universities are listening and bowing to parents’ wishes.

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.
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Tokyo police found our lost wallet, but the story of how they did made us feel empty
Stay in a Tokyo hotel with a train driver’s seat in the room
Mt. Fuji climbing reservation website is now open, and here’s how to reserve your spot
Pokémon Cafe’s new Mega Charizard curry plate is a work of art in more ways than one
Bob’s Big Boy is alive and well, and also a cute robot, in Japan【Photos】
Snuggle up to Totoro with cosy new three-piece Ghibli bag collection
What exactly is the treat known as a “kougnané” that’s sold outside Tokyo’s Yurakucho Station?
Is real Tokyo as dangerous as the Yakuza video games? Chapter 2: Towards the Gray Darkness
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
New Kyoto experience package lets you film epic samurai battles with your friends
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
Top Japanese baby names for 2025 feature flowers, colors, and a first-time-ever favorite for girls
Studio Ghibli releases new Ursula’s blanket from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
JR Hokkaido train driver in trouble for reading book about trains on stopped train
Studio Ghibli releases new anime tea and mugs in Japan
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Japanese hotel chain’s new service: A bed and pajamas for otaku travelers’ plushies
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
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
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
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
Pokémon Cafe’s new Mega Charizard curry plate is a work of art in more ways than one
Bob’s Big Boy is alive and well, and also a cute robot, in Japan【Photos】
Snuggle up to Totoro with cosy new three-piece Ghibli bag collection
What exactly is the treat known as a “kougnané” that’s sold outside Tokyo’s Yurakucho Station?
Is real Tokyo as dangerous as the Yakuza video games? Chapter 2: Towards the Gray Darkness
Permanent Sailor Moon stage show theater announced for Tokyo
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
Mario Kart Happy Meal toys arrive at McDonald’s Japan, and SoraNews24 has the whole set!【Photos】
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
Japan’s original oyakodon restaurant reopens after three years in a newly renovated building
New Kyoto experience package lets you film epic samurai battles with your friends
Japanese Railway Lost Property Market: A treasure trove of lost items from trains
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is