Category: Opinion

A red sneaker from Tokyo Kimono Shoes. It has a huge kimono pattern.

Would You Wear These Beautiful Kimono Sneakers?

There’s something special about wearing clothes with meaning and memory behind them. That’s what Tokyo Kimono Shoes is all about. They take authentic vintage kimono (traditional Japanese robe) fabric and turn it into cute sneakers you can wear daily. These shoes are more than just fashion. They carry pieces of Japanese culture, each full of color and history. 

A traditional Japanese wedding taking place at the shrines.

Japanese Wedding: Why Do They Separate Last Names?

While it’s common in most places, Japan is the only country globally that legally requires both spouses to register one family name per koseki (family registry). This law has faced growing dissent and calls for it to be overturned. However, there’s been equal pushback to keep things the same.

An "ojisan" or a middle-aged man, eating food with a woman on a park bench.

Ojisan Rental in Japan: An Unusual Service!

Japan is home to many innovative services. One is the “ossan rental,” through which people can “rent out” a middle-aged man to do various activities with them. Continue reading to learn more about why this business started, the person behind it, and how you can rent your ojisan in Japan.

Overtourism in Osaka.

Overtourism in Japan: Why Is It an Issue?

Traveling abroad, despite issues like overtourism, remains an exciting adventure. Visiting Japan is a dream for many, particularly fans of anime, video games, history, and landscapes. However, the rising number of tourists has caused some locals to be concerned. Let’s look at this phenomenon and how it affects people today.

Hanazono Jinja Shrine in Shinjuku City.

Shinjuku City Big Changes: What Do You Think About It?

Shinjuku City (or Shinjuku Ward) is one of the busiest business districts in the world, with its station used by an average of 3.59 million people daily. Let’s take a look at what changes are coming to Shinjuku!