Society

Top Society Guides

Rent a Boyfriend in Japan: Inside Japan’s Newest Form of Companionship

Take an evening walk through Tokyo or Osaka’s entertainment districts and you’ll notice couples splitting desserts, sharing a drink in…

Marriage in Japan: A Practical Guide for Foreign Residents

Getting married in Japan is surprisingly paperwork light. Once your marriage registration (婚姻届/kon-in todoke) is stamped at city hall, you…

Pocky and Pretz Day 2025: Japan’s Sweetest Celebration of Friendship and Fun

Every November 11, Japan turns into a playground of snacks and smiles: it’s Pocky and Pretz Day, a celebration that’s…

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Enjo Kosai: Understanding Japan’s Controversial “Compensated Dating” Culture

Enjo kosai (援助交際), often translated as “compensated dating,” remains one of Japan’s most hotly-debated social phenomena. While often portrayed as…

Host Clubs in Tokyo: Japan’s Glittering World of Night Entertainment

Tokyo’s nightlife has many layers — neon avenues, late-night ramen shops, quiet bars tucked behind sliding doors. But among them,…

Nanpa Meaning: Inside Japan’s Flirty Street Culture

You’ll often hear stories of people being approached by strangers in Tokyo or Osaka — a bold move known as…

Setagaya Family Murders: Japan’s Most Infamous Unsolved Case

As anyone who has lived in, visited, or perhaps even knows vaguely about Japan can tell you: this country is…

Hatsumode: Japan’s First Shrine Visit of the Year

Japan is — as those who live here, who visit, or those who want to do either will know —…

Mono no Aware Meaning: The Japanese Art of Finding Beauty in Impermanence

In an age where Hollywood is obsessed with adaptations, reboots, remakes, sequels and, perhaps worst of all, prequels (sorry Star…