Living

Your Official “Hometown” Is the Imperial Palace? Welcome to Japan’s Honseki System - Metropolis Japan

Your Official “Hometown” Is the Imperial Palace? Welcome to Japan’s Honseki System

The bizarre loophole that's turning castles, stadiums and airports into official family homes

10 Lesser-Known Secondhand Bookstores in Tokyo that Sell English Books - Metropolis Japan

10 Lesser-Known Secondhand Bookstores in Tokyo that Sell English Books

Quirky spots to find cheap English books in Tokyo

Where to Buy Pokémon Cards in Tokyo - Metropolis Japan

Where to Buy Pokémon Cards in Tokyo

The best shops in the city, with map links to find them

The Bullet Train, A Loaded Story - Metropolis Japan

The Bullet Train, A Loaded Story

Japan likes to say the Shinkansen arrived just in time for the Olympics. But in truth, it arrived in spite of everything.

Executive Fight Night 2026 - Metropolis Japan

Executive Fight Night 2026

Tokyo’s executives duel for charity

Why So Many Japanese Married Couples Sleep in Separate Beds - Metropolis Japan

Why So Many Japanese Married Couples Sleep in Separate Beds

Exploring sleep culture, relationship dynamics and how space shapes intimacy in Japan

What’s It Like To Have A Japanese Spitz? - Metropolis Japan

What’s It Like To Have A Japanese Spitz?

Japan’s native comedian

Japan Drugstore Guide: Best Japanese Sunscreen - Metropolis Japan

Japan Drugstore Guide: Best Japanese Sunscreen

 From sunscreen to aftercare, here are the best products for summer in Japan 

English-Speaking Dog Groomers in Tokyo - Metropolis Japan

English-Speaking Dog Groomers in Tokyo

A guide to English-speaking dog grooming services in Tokyo

Does It Feel Weird To Be Naked in an Onsen? - Metropolis Japan

Does It Feel Weird To Be Naked in an Onsen?

What the Japanese bathhouse can teach us about body image

The Metropolis Agony Aunts - Metropolis Japan

The Metropolis Agony Aunts

Being Foreign in Tokyo: Our totally unqualified opinions to guide you through it.

Japan Drugstore Guide: Fluoride Toothpaste, Mouthwash and Dental Floss - Metropolis Japan

Japan Drugstore Guide: Fluoride Toothpaste, Mouthwash and Dental Floss

Effective oral care products for enamel repair and cavity prevention

Beaches, Surf Spots and Pools Near Tokyo - Metropolis Japan

Beaches, Surf Spots and Pools Near Tokyo

Editor's pick of the best summer escapes around Tokyo

Things To Do in Tokyo in May 2026 - Metropolis Japan

Things To Do in Tokyo in May 2026

Editors’ top picks for your calendar

Are Trains in Tokyo Safe for Women? A List of Women-Only Cars in Tokyo - Metropolis Japan

Are Trains in Tokyo Safe for Women? A List of Women-Only Cars in Tokyo

How to ride public transport safely and report an incident

Guide to International Schools in Japan - Metropolis Japan

Guide to International Schools in Japan

How to choose the right school for your child

Tokyo Neighborhood Guide: Ebisu - Metropolis Japan

Tokyo Neighborhood Guide: Ebisu

Tokyo’s effortlessly cool quarter

Japan in New York - Metropolis Japan

Japan in New York

Japanese culture outside of the archipelago

Is Japan’s Cultural Aversion to Public Noise Suppressing Its Birth Rate? - Metropolis Japan

Is Japan’s Cultural Aversion to Public Noise Suppressing Its Birth Rate?

Is Japan’s silence pushing families away?

San-chan: The Shiba Inu That Saved the World - Metropolis Japan

San-chan: The Shiba Inu That Saved the World

How a man, a dog and the internet united for good

Japan’s Captive Capital: Trillions Locked Up In “Dementia Money” - Metropolis Japan

Japan’s Captive Capital: Trillions Locked Up In “Dementia Money”

The growing crisis of inaccessible wealth for Japan’s economy and families

The Door Knockers: Jehovah’s Witnesses in Japan - Metropolis Japan

The Door Knockers: Jehovah’s Witnesses in Japan

*bing bong* 

The Art of Japanese Handmade Jewelry - Metropolis Japan

The Art of Japanese Handmade Jewelry

Hayakawa’s beautiful crafts

English-Speaking Nail Salons in Tokyo - Metropolis Japan

English-Speaking Nail Salons in Tokyo

Where to get gel nails, detailed nail art and manicures in Tokyo with English-speaking service