Japan is famous for being a country with a long history and a desire to preserve traditions. Its culture is influenced by its status as an island nation, and Japan’s seafood dishes are among its most well known cultural exports. Despite this, some...
Japan is known for its excessive plastic usage. A report by the United Nations Environment Program in 2018 listed Japan as the second highest consumer of single-use plastic in the entire world. Even a short stay in the country makes it abundantly...
Climate change is having a significant impact on the Hokkaido region. According to the Hokkaido Research Organization, Japan’s coldest and northernmost prefecture will see average July temperatures increase as much as 3 degrees by the 2030s, in...
In 1982, the International Whaling Commission established a moratorium on commercial whaling that remains in place to this day. A few member countries with a history of whaling, such as Norway and Iceland, still hunt whales commercially despite it...
Discrimination can take many forms. It affects how we are viewed based on our gender, race and other factors. Age can unfortunately be one of these, meaning older job seekers face unnecessary challenges when looking for work. Despite its rapidly...
Social progress can feel frustratingly slow anywhere, especially when it comes to LGBT and gender equality. This is as true in Japan as it is in other countries. Sexual minorities deserve the same rights and freedoms as heterosexuals, but...
Racism is a complex issue anywhere in the world, and Japan is no exception. While many foreign residents live happy and productive lives here, others face more severe discrimination in their personal and professional lives. At least in Western...
School can be a difficult time for anyone. Students face a lot of pressure to fit in and excel academically. Japanese schools in particular are known for their strict conformity and long hours studying and participating in after school clubs. Some...
Japan is well known for having the oldest population in the world. Nearly 30% of people in the country are over 65, and this is only expected to increase in the future. Aging societies can bring a number of issues, especially when combined with a...
Suicide is a complex issue with causes that vary depending on the individual and country. Japan in particular is known for its high rate of suicides, which many attribute to cultural factors such as harsh working environments. What exactly is behind...