Last call for Kabukicho

As the iconic Koma Theater goes under the wrecking ball, is this the end of Tokyo’s notorious red-light district?

Annus Scandalous

A year’s worth of food safety scandals has upset Japan’s applecart

Peace Prize

After going missing in Mexico for more than 30 years, Taro Okamoto’s Myth of Tomorrow is about to be unveiled inside Shibuya station. Here’s the inside story of the efforts to recover and restore one of the artist’s most stunning works.

Murderer’s Row

A rogue’s gallery of heinous killers reveals the dark soul of a nation

Troubled Waters

As typhoon season looms, Tokyo finds that its flood-prevention efforts are all wet

Sign of the Times

Say goodbye to “High Touch Town.” Roppongi is about to get a new Logo to go along with its new image

Face Off

Each year on August 15, downtown Tokyo turns into a riot zone as right-wing militants clash with antiwar protesters. Metropolis gives you a ringside seat to all the action

Gold Standard

As all eyes turn to Beijing, Japan’s Olympians Look to repeat their Athens Success

Here Be Monsters

From ESP labs to Pokemon panics to death cults, Japan is a wonderland of the bizarre. Metropolis takes a Fortean approach to the country’s mysteries

Jero Worship

Japan can’t get enough of the first African-American enka singer

Companions of the Sea

Life in the Seto Inland Sea town of Tomo-no-Ura revolves around its fishing industry. Stephen Mansfield experiences the salty charm.

Sulawesi

Scenic beauty and explosive rituals go hand in hand in Indonesia