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

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, […]

Japanese Artist Has Been Creating Miniature Scenes Every Day For 12 Years (20 Pics)

Japanese Artist Tatsuya Tanaka: Transforming Ordinary Objects into Whimsical Miniature Worlds Tatsuya Tanaka, a celebrated Japanese artist, has gained international recognition for her enchanting miniature dioramas. With a unique talent, she breathes life into everyday objects, infusing them with imaginative narratives that transcend their mundane origins. From humble sugar cubes to unassuming plastic bags and […]

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, […]

Fading Fury: The Decline of Bosozoku Culture

From the ancient feudal era through an industrial revolution in a few years, there’s something unique about the Japanese social, cultural, and mental psyche that propels them more than others. Boshoku is one of them. Bosozoku biker gangs in Japan represent the best of the unique culture of this nation. In the 1950s, Bosozoku gangs, […]

10 Strangest Japanese Foods

Renowned for its beautiful architecture, scarily advanced technology, and strong tradition, Japan remains one of the most fascinating countries to culturally dissect. However, it is the nation’s eccentric game shows, colorful anime, and unusual gadgets that seem to generate considerable attention. The same fervent interest lies in Japanese food. Japan’s gastronomical delights have evolved through […]

7 Best Airlines for Traveling to Japan

After more than two years of pandemic-related closures, Japan has once again opened its doors to tourists. This exciting development has travelers eager to explore the Land of the Rising Sun. If you’re planning to embark on this journey across the Pacific Ocean, you might wonder: What’s the best airline to choose for your voyage […]

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 […]

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 […]

Cosplayer and media personality Kaho Shibuya weighs in on the Uzaki-chan debate

From its initial serialization as a manga (illustrated by Take) in December 2017 on Niconico Seiga’s Dra Dra Sharp website to its anime adaptation by ENGI which began airing last month, “Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out!” has sparked controversy on both sides of the Pacific. The sexy slice-of-life odd-couple comedy about Shinichi Sakurai, an introverted […]

Did Hirota People in Japan Deliberately Deform Their Skulls?

The Mystery of Flattened Skulls For decades, archaeologists have been captivated by an enigmatic discovery on Tanegashima, a Japanese island. In 1957, as researchers delved into the remnants of the Indigenous Hirota people, they stumbled upon an intriguing puzzle. Each unearthed skull bore a peculiar deformation, leaving archaeologists questioning whether these alterations were intentional or […]