Unseen Japan
@unseenjapan.com
The Japan you don't learn about in anime. News and social issues from Japan. Visiting Japan soon? Check out our tours service!
https://unseenjapan.start.page/
https://unseenjapan.start.page/
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Unseen Japan
@unseenjapan.com
· Mar 3
Wow - we blinked and you brought us to 20K followers on Bluesky. Thank you! We're happy to have made this our new social media home.
Unseen Japan covers Japanese news, language, history, and social issues from a liberal perspective. Here's a little more about what we do (and how you can help).
Unseen Japan covers Japanese news, language, history, and social issues from a liberal perspective. Here's a little more about what we do (and how you can help).
Me: I should check Reddit to get up to speed on the current hot topics for foreign residents in Japan
Me: *checks Reddit*
Me, slowly closing laptop: The Internet was a mistake
Me: *checks Reddit*
Me, slowly closing laptop: The Internet was a mistake
January 6, 2026 at 7:58 AM
Me: I should check Reddit to get up to speed on the current hot topics for foreign residents in Japan
Me: *checks Reddit*
Me, slowly closing laptop: The Internet was a mistake
Me: *checks Reddit*
Me, slowly closing laptop: The Internet was a mistake
Ōdōka Iekei Ramen in Osaka says "90%" of problems in the store are caused by "Chinese tourists" & it'll refuse them service. Japanese users say the "trouble" is likely caused by their two-tier pricing system, where English prices are nearly double the Japanese menu.
January 6, 2026 at 4:13 AM
Ōdōka Iekei Ramen in Osaka says "90%" of problems in the store are caused by "Chinese tourists" & it'll refuse them service. Japanese users say the "trouble" is likely caused by their two-tier pricing system, where English prices are nearly double the Japanese menu.
On X, Japanese mangaka Tanabe Yōichirō used Grok's controversial image editing feature to dress idol group STU48 member Kudō Riko in a bikini. Both Kudō and STU48 member Nakamura Mai blasted him for it, leading Tanabe to delete the post and apologize.
January 5, 2026 at 10:27 PM
On X, Japanese mangaka Tanabe Yōichirō used Grok's controversial image editing feature to dress idol group STU48 member Kudō Riko in a bikini. Both Kudō and STU48 member Nakamura Mai blasted him for it, leading Tanabe to delete the post and apologize.
A hard truth for mid-career professionals in Japan is that your market value doesn’t automatically transfer across borders. Japan evaluates experience through a different lens. A lack of prior Japan-based experience is often viewed as a disadvantage.
Moving to Japan: The ULTIMATE Guide (We're Not Joking) - Unseen Japan
Want to move to Japan? About to land and confused about what to do when you get here? Here's everything you need to know.
buff.ly
January 5, 2026 at 2:02 PM
A hard truth for mid-career professionals in Japan is that your market value doesn’t automatically transfer across borders. Japan evaluates experience through a different lens. A lack of prior Japan-based experience is often viewed as a disadvantage.
Folks in Kawasaki got their entertainment for today after a horse escaped from Meiji University's equestrian club and trotted down the street. Don't worry - the story ends well: 30 minutes after the first police report, the noble animal returned itself to campus, unharmed.
January 5, 2026 at 5:39 AM
Folks in Kawasaki got their entertainment for today after a horse escaped from Meiji University's equestrian club and trotted down the street. Don't worry - the story ends well: 30 minutes after the first police report, the noble animal returned itself to campus, unharmed.
Reposted by Unseen Japan
Wifey just informed me about this Japanese gem 草草草
January 5, 2026 at 1:34 AM
Wifey just informed me about this Japanese gem 草草草
Sankei Shimbun asked the heads of 1,741 local governments in Japan about the impact of increased immigration. 70% said foreigners are "influencing" the community, both for good & ill. OTOH, 54% also called foreigners "indispensable" to the community's continued existence.
January 4, 2026 at 10:04 PM
Sankei Shimbun asked the heads of 1,741 local governments in Japan about the impact of increased immigration. 70% said foreigners are "influencing" the community, both for good & ill. OTOH, 54% also called foreigners "indispensable" to the community's continued existence.
Japan's young want more time away from work: a survey by Human Holdings of 1,000 men & women aged 20-29 found that 35.1% want companies to introduce a four-day workweek. An additional 20.1% would like companies to introduce flexible schedules.
January 4, 2026 at 9:02 PM
Japan's young want more time away from work: a survey by Human Holdings of 1,000 men & women aged 20-29 found that 35.1% want companies to introduce a four-day workweek. An additional 20.1% would like companies to introduce flexible schedules.
Sumi Ranger Z, an X user who does volunteer garbage collection, recorded a video of themselves picking up trash in Shibuya, Tokyo, after the Japanese New Year's holiday on January 3rd. They say it's "the first time" in eight years they've seen so much garbage piled up.
January 4, 2026 at 8:53 PM
Sumi Ranger Z, an X user who does volunteer garbage collection, recorded a video of themselves picking up trash in Shibuya, Tokyo, after the Japanese New Year's holiday on January 3rd. They say it's "the first time" in eight years they've seen so much garbage piled up.
[Insider] Social media app X's Grok bot is processing user requests to sexualize women without their consent. Cosplayers and artists in Japan have fallen victim - and some of them are pissed. More in this week's article for subscribers below.
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buff.ly/DQCqCeu
[Insider] Princess in a Bikini: Japan Lashes Out at Grok, X's Nonconsensual Lewds Bot - Unseen Japan
A new wave of deepfakes enabled by the social media network's Grok chatbot is angering Japanese cosplayers and artists.
unseen-japan.com
January 4, 2026 at 3:48 AM
[Insider] Social media app X's Grok bot is processing user requests to sexualize women without their consent. Cosplayers and artists in Japan have fallen victim - and some of them are pissed. More in this week's article for subscribers below.
buff.ly/DQCqCeu
buff.ly/DQCqCeu
In Japan, even as women demand more support at home from their husbands, cultural attitudes remain stubborn. Instead, some find ways to avoid their spouse’s pleas for housework help - for example, by refusing to go home after work.
"Furariimen": The Japanese Men Who Avoid Returning from Work - Unseen Japan
As Japanese wives demand more participation from their husbands in home life, some husbands are responding by simply not going home.
buff.ly
January 3, 2026 at 6:21 PM
In Japan, even as women demand more support at home from their husbands, cultural attitudes remain stubborn. Instead, some find ways to avoid their spouse’s pleas for housework help - for example, by refusing to go home after work.
Reposted by Unseen Japan
Japanese Christians proselytizing outside of Meiji Jingu during Oshogatsu, the largest time of the year for Shinto shrines, crystallizes why I hate Christianity
January 2, 2026 at 8:29 PM
Japanese Christians proselytizing outside of Meiji Jingu during Oshogatsu, the largest time of the year for Shinto shrines, crystallizes why I hate Christianity
Boss was first introduced in 1992 by the beverage company Suntory. The company’s logo was designed to resemble an “ideal boss” and may have been inspired by images of author William Faulkner.
Boss Coffee: The History Behind the Popular Can - Unseen Japan
Boss Coffee is turning 30 years old. Learn about the history of canned coffee, its recognizable logo, and those Tommy Lee Jones ads.
buff.ly
January 2, 2026 at 2:06 PM
Boss was first introduced in 1992 by the beverage company Suntory. The company’s logo was designed to resemble an “ideal boss” and may have been inspired by images of author William Faulkner.
Many new residents of Japan assume an International Driving Permit (IDP) will cover them long-term. In reality, it's a temporary bridge, not a residency plan. Once you’re living in Japan, you should assume you’ll eventually need a Japanese license.
Moving to Japan: The ULTIMATE Guide (We're Not Joking) - Unseen Japan
Want to move to Japan? About to land and confused about what to do when you get here? Here's everything you need to know.
buff.ly
January 2, 2026 at 1:15 PM
Many new residents of Japan assume an International Driving Permit (IDP) will cover them long-term. In reality, it's a temporary bridge, not a residency plan. Once you’re living in Japan, you should assume you’ll eventually need a Japanese license.
Japanese cuisine has a reputation for being healthy. While much of it is, Japan also loves itself some fried foods. While most people know about kara-age, fewer know about its delicious cousin: kushikatsu (串カツ) or deep-fried skewers.
Kushikatsu: The Best Deep-Fried Skewers in Tokyo - Unseen Japan
A lot of Japanese food is very healthy. And then there's kushikatsu. Learn where to enjoy this fried treat on a stick on your next visit.
buff.ly
January 2, 2026 at 12:36 PM
Japanese cuisine has a reputation for being healthy. While much of it is, Japan also loves itself some fried foods. While most people know about kara-age, fewer know about its delicious cousin: kushikatsu (串カツ) or deep-fried skewers.
Due to a shrinking workforce and the demanding nature of the work, Japan’s elderly care industry faces a severe labor shortage. The industry no longer debates whether it needs foreign workers. Instead, it's debating how to secure and retain them.
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buff.ly/UzSbwnt
Why Foreign Workers Have Become Essential to Japan’s Elderly Care System - Unseen Japan
With a dwindling workforce, Japan is increasingly dependent on foreign workers to care for its rapidly aging population.
unseen-japan.com
January 1, 2026 at 9:17 PM
Due to a shrinking workforce and the demanding nature of the work, Japan’s elderly care industry faces a severe labor shortage. The industry no longer debates whether it needs foreign workers. Instead, it's debating how to secure and retain them.
buff.ly/UzSbwnt
buff.ly/UzSbwnt
Both Akira and Evangelion are immensely dense, politically and philosophically charged works of art. Neither can be defined as explicitly left- or right-wing. Instead, they interweave a variety of intriguing political ideologies.
Your Anime is Political: The Radical Revolutions of Akira and Evangelion - Unseen Japan
Some anime are more than political. In fact, our author argues, two of the most well-known anime in history are downright revolutionary.
buff.ly
January 1, 2026 at 2:19 PM
Both Akira and Evangelion are immensely dense, politically and philosophically charged works of art. Neither can be defined as explicitly left- or right-wing. Instead, they interweave a variety of intriguing political ideologies.
Modern bag charms often echo the role of Japan's omamori. The survey shows this connection, revealing that 70% of respondents described plushes as “like a protective charm.” Young people treat plush charms as emotional guardians.
The Hidden Culture Behind Japan’s Bag-Charms Craze - Unseen Japan
Experts say "oshi-katsu" and this age-old religious trend have helped fuel the rise of character dolls dangling from bags and backpacks.
buff.ly
January 1, 2026 at 1:01 PM
Modern bag charms often echo the role of Japan's omamori. The survey shows this connection, revealing that 70% of respondents described plushes as “like a protective charm.” Young people treat plush charms as emotional guardians.
What do you absolutely *need* to see when you visit Kyoto? Honichi Labo interviewed foreign visitors and asked them about their favorite tourist spots. Here’s their top five, plus another five from us here at Unseen Japan.
From Ninja to Ramen: Top 10 Places to Visit in Kyoto - Unseen Japan
A recent survey asked tourists to Kyoto about their favorite spots. Here are their top five - along with five recommendations from UJ.
buff.ly
December 31, 2025 at 2:04 PM
What do you absolutely *need* to see when you visit Kyoto? Honichi Labo interviewed foreign visitors and asked them about their favorite tourist spots. Here’s their top five, plus another five from us here at Unseen Japan.
"Lord Vader staring down the entrants to Comiket from the rooftop was cool af"
December 31, 2025 at 2:35 AM
"Lord Vader staring down the entrants to Comiket from the rooftop was cool af"
Many foreign residents in Japan worry that the proposed higher residence permit fees will create financial burdens. Students and families on dependent visas could be disproportionately affected.
Japan to Increase Residence Permit Fees Amid Rising Immigration Costs - Unseen Japan
The move is meant to align with fees set by Western countries - but many residents complain the new rates are exorbitant.
buff.ly
December 30, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Many foreign residents in Japan worry that the proposed higher residence permit fees will create financial burdens. Students and families on dependent visas could be disproportionately affected.
It's a lot easier to get around these days now that we all carry a computer in our pockets. However, that computer isn’t very useful without a data plan. If you’re going to Japan, here’s why an eSIM for Japan travel is a smart choice.
eSIM for Japan Travel: The Easy Way to Data - Unseen Japan
Got data in Japan? Here's why an eSIM for Japan travel is a hassle-free way to stay connected while seeing the sights.
buff.ly
December 30, 2025 at 4:02 PM
It's a lot easier to get around these days now that we all carry a computer in our pockets. However, that computer isn’t very useful without a data plan. If you’re going to Japan, here’s why an eSIM for Japan travel is a smart choice.
They're one of the world's most important Japanese diaspora groups. Meet the Japanese-Peruvians, and learn their dramatic history, in our full-length article below.
The Story of the Japanese Peruvians - Unseen Japan
They're one of the world's most important Japanese diaspora groups. Meet the Japanese-Peruvians, and learn their dramatic history.
buff.ly
December 30, 2025 at 2:06 PM
They're one of the world's most important Japanese diaspora groups. Meet the Japanese-Peruvians, and learn their dramatic history, in our full-length article below.
One freelance journalist says she’s meeting more Japanese women who are entering the overseas sex trade. Some say they’re driven by frustration that their incomes in Japan remain stagnant, no matter how hard they work.
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buff.ly/lA0geJx
As Overseas Sex Work From Japan Booms, Solo Female Travelers Face Border Trouble - Unseen Japan
More Japanese women are going overseas for prostitution. That's leading to women outside the industry being turned back at the border.
unseen-japan.com
December 29, 2025 at 10:17 PM
One freelance journalist says she’s meeting more Japanese women who are entering the overseas sex trade. Some say they’re driven by frustration that their incomes in Japan remain stagnant, no matter how hard they work.
buff.ly/lA0geJx
buff.ly/lA0geJx
You might pay more to visit the Tokyo National Museum and Japan's other nationally affiliated museums: the government has asked museum boards to consider charging inbound tourists up to 3x what they charge residents.
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Japan's National Museums May Institute Two-Tier Pricing for Inbound Tourists - Unseen Japan
You could pay up to three times more to visit some of Japan's best museums if their boards heed the government's call.
unseen-japan.com
December 29, 2025 at 10:11 PM
You might pay more to visit the Tokyo National Museum and Japan's other nationally affiliated museums: the government has asked museum boards to consider charging inbound tourists up to 3x what they charge residents.
buff.ly/Ip8UklN
buff.ly/Ip8UklN