The coronavirus pandemic has had severe effects on Japan and the rest of the world. The most devastating impacts are, of course, the millions who have succumbed to or have been infected with the disease. While Japan has fared better than other...
From January 6, Tokyo and its neighboring prefectures entered its second lockdown due to COVID-19. The lockdown announced on this occasion is somewhat “softer” compared to the earlier one and does not include the closure of schools. Even...
Japanese women face many professional and personal challenges. Traditional gender roles and other societal factors play a large part in holding them back in both areas of their lives. Such factors have real consequences for the quality of women’s...
Japan has one of the world’s lowest teenage pregnancy rates in the world; however, this does not mean that the country has escaped its own issues and obstacles as to what teenagers, especially women, run into when faced with the fact of caring for a...
One in seven Japanese children live in poverty today. The negative effects of this on both individual and societal level are enormous. Children in need find it difficult if not impossible to break the cycle of poverty and improve their life...
No matter how many children you have, parenthood always has its challenges. This is especially the case for single mothers in Japan, many of whom also struggle financially. The average annual income of single mothers in Japan is 2.43 million yen...
Japan’s largest city and international hub may be Tokyo, but Osaka is also a hub of activity, lively people and colorful fashion. Osaka is the epicenter of the Kansai region, surrounded by Nara, Kyoto, Kobe and Wakayama, and has much to offer when...
Today was supposed to be Japan’s last day of self-quarantine. But that was not to be. The Japanese government has extended the period to 31 May for 13 cities. Until the numbers of infections drop below and under control, the situation will...
Gender roles can be difficult for anyone to deal with. Japanese women are pressured to focus on marriage, raising children and housework before their own lives and careers. While this can limit their options and potential, the flip side is that...
Christmas is a popular event and celebrated nationally in Japan, but the concept of giving during the event still has room to grow. Book Santa project hopefully inspires those who want to give during the holiday season. Book Santa started in 2017 as...