Closed Gates

The Japanese government is often criticized for its treatment of refugees - But a look behind the numbers reveals that the situation is more complex than it seems

Team Spirit

Tokyo's cross-town rivals, the Yomiuri Giants and Yakult Swallows, are running neck-and-neck for the Central League crown--thanks in large part to a quartet of foreign stars

Jaime Pastor

Japan is just beginning to discover the delights of Iberico ham, says the Asia rep of a renowned Spanish food company

Band of Sisters

After finding fame as otaku idols, the Nakano Fujoshi Sisters are striking gold as a boy group

On the Cards

The government says its new registration system for foreign residents will make our lives easier. But some lawmakers and privacy rights activists claim that Big Brother lurks around the corner

War Story

Gregory Hadley's Field of Spears recounts a dramatic—and little-known—episode from the closing days of World War II. Yet as the author discovered, the story didn’t finish with the war's end

Yamate Seven Lucky Gods Walk

Follow an Edo-style path to good fortune in Meguro

Golden Age

Stuck in Tokyo for Golden Week? Lucky you. With everything from cosplay festivals to street fairs to beer factory tours, the city and environs offer more than a week's worth of fun. Here are our top picks.

Marijuana Underground

Celebrity busts and student smokers have Japan's authorities in a tizz. But what do users make of Japan's ganja explosion? Shaun Davies delves into Tokyo's marijuana subculture to find the answer

Open Season

Celebrating 150 years as the international face of Japan, Yokohama gets ready to greet the crowds

The Tricksters of Tokyo

With dozens of magic bars and a small army of illusionists, Tokyo has a whole lot of tricks up its sleeve

Fangumu

Enjoy yakiniku without the grease in Yurakucho