Archives for September 2020

Five-Year Civil War Has Wrecked the Supremacy of the Yakuza

September 9, 2020 by Japan and Extra

Cops in Japan have to do jobs they hate, and one of them is babysitting gangsters. Yep, keeping the peace sometimes means keeping the traditionally tattooed, sociopathic, tribalistic, and well-tailored yakuza from killing each other. That doesn’t always go well. On the afternoon of Oct. 10, in Kobe city, the police stationed in front of the offices of a yakuza group, the … [Read more...] about Five-Year Civil War Has Wrecked the Supremacy of the Yakuza

Japanese kids suffer near worst mental health among richest nations

September 9, 2020 by Japan and Extra

Japanese children had the second-worst rated mental well-being among 38 developed and emerging countries due to poor life satisfaction and the high frequency of suicide, a UNICEF report said Thursday. While Japanese children ranked first in physical health and live in relatively well-off economic circumstances, instances of bullying in schools as well as difficult … [Read more...] about Japanese kids suffer near worst mental health among richest nations

Japanese YouTuber Loses Over 150 Pounds in Inspiring Transformation

September 8, 2020 by Japan and Extra

A man in Japan is receiving a lot of attention after he lost almost 70 kilograms (154 pounds) of body weight in a year. apanese YouTuber Ruibosu, who stands at 170 centimeters (5 feet 6 inches) tall, was at his heaviest point at 140 kilograms (308 pounds) before he went through the transformation, according to SoraNews24. Ruibosu decided to go on a “final diet of his life” … [Read more...] about Japanese YouTuber Loses Over 150 Pounds in Inspiring Transformation

Microsoft Japan Made a 4 Day Workweek Experiment, Noticed 40% Increased in Productivity

This August, Microsoft Japan took on an experiment, called the “Work-Life Choice Challenge Summer 2019” in which they trialed the 4-day work week for their entire workforce. Around 2300 employees were given five Fridays off with no reduction in salary and no days taken off of their annual leave. Naturally, the experiment proved to be […]

Massive Ruby Roman Grapes Sell for $12,000 in Japanese Auction

A ryokan chain operator has purchased Ruby Roman grapes at an auction in Japan for 1.3 million yen ($12,000) to help encourage people to appreciate food amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Inn chain operator Hyakurakuso placed its bid for the rare ping pong-sized grapes, which was developed in Ishikawa Prefecture, at an auction on Thursday in […]

10 Crazy Realities of Life For Japan’s Younger Generation

Millennials, Gen Y, Snowflakes—these are all names for the generation who were born between 1980 and 1994 – and the butt of so many jokes. In Japan they are called “Yutori” and they have just as many critics. They are the first generation who grew up with a more relaxed style of education and now […]

12 Ingenious Japanese Inventions That Are Ready to Change Our Lives

Japan: Pioneering Technological Marvels Japan, often referred to as “The Land of the Rising Sun,” stands as a testament to innovation and technological prowess. With a relentless dedication to progress, Japan is a realm where the march of technology knows no rest. Japanese inventors continuously push the boundaries, crafting ingenious solutions that elevate their quality […]

Why are there no fat people in Japan?

Japan is renowned for its focus on health, as it’s rare to encounter an obese Japanese person. Their diet is low in carbohydrates, which contributes to a 15% lower chance of mortality, as explained by researchers from the National Center for Global Health and Medicine in Tokyo. The Japanese have several factors in their favor, […]

15 Beautiful Japanese Villages You Absolutely Have to Visit

Japan is home to a multitude of picturesque villages that span the entire country, each with its unique charm and allure, whether it’s steeped in history or nestled amidst breathtaking natural landscapes. These stunning locales are an absolute must-visit during your journey through Japan. 1. Biei, Hokkaido Biei, a quaint town in Hokkaido, is often […]

Japanese mathematician gets validation for number theory solution

A proof by Japanese mathematician Shinichi Mochizuki of an over 30-year-old problem in number theory has obtained validation, Kyoto University said Friday following controversy over his theory often labeled as too novel and complicated to understand. The Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences of the university accepted for publication his 600-page proof of the abc conjecture, […]

Top 10 Universities In Japan 2024

The first ever edition of the QS Japan University Rankings has now been released, and sees 75 Japanese universities rank among the best in the nation. The universities are ranked based on a methodology of 11 key indicators, which include: academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty/student ratio (which assesses the proportion of full-time academic staff members […]

Unveiling Cat Pain: Japanese app aims to detect cat pain

In Japan, cats are believed to bring good luck, and their owners spare no expense in caring for these beloved pets. However, it can be challenging to determine when our feline friends are feeling down. In response to this concern, a Tokyo-based tech firm and university have joined forces to create a remarkable app. Named […]

A Japanese Company Is 3D Printing Small Homes at the Price of a Car

The Advancements of 3D Printing in Architecture In today’s world, it seems like almost everything can be 3D printed, and architecture is no exception. Many architectural firms are wholeheartedly embracing 3D printing as their preferred method for constructing buildings. The trend of 3D-printed architecture is steadily gaining popularity and momentum, and it’s not surprising considering […]