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).
BLACK BOX DIARIES faced criticism over its use of materials without permission. Former civil case attorney Nishihiro Yoko and others said it included hotel surveillance footage provided under the condition that it be used only for trial purposes.
Itō Shiori's BLACK BOX DIARIES Will (Finally) Release in Japan After Controversy - Unseen Japan
The film, released in October 2024, has yet to screen in the filmmaker's own country due to questions around the footage it used.
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November 10, 2025 at 2:04 PM
BLACK BOX DIARIES faced criticism over its use of materials without permission. Former civil case attorney Nishihiro Yoko and others said it included hotel surveillance footage provided under the condition that it be used only for trial purposes.
[Insider] Japan has almost four million foreign residents out of a total population of 124 million. If you're looking to recoup health care costs, cracking down on delinquent foreigners doesn't give you a lot of bang for your buck.
[Insider] Japan's Obsession With Punishing Foreigners is a Ticking Time Bomb - Unseen Japan
Japan's ruling class can't admit how badly it's failed the country. So it's blaming foreigners for all its problems instead.
buff.ly
November 10, 2025 at 2:01 PM
[Insider] Japan has almost four million foreign residents out of a total population of 124 million. If you're looking to recoup health care costs, cracking down on delinquent foreigners doesn't give you a lot of bang for your buck.
Polling from the end of October 2025 shows Takaichi Sanae's cabinet with somewhere between 68% and 74% public support. Nikkei puts her 20+ points higher than her predecessor, Ishiba Shigeru, who started his short-lived term with a mere 51% support.
[Insider] Men Think Japan's First Female PM Will Address the Gender Gap. Women Aren't So Sure - Unseen Japan
Japan has one of the worst gender gaps in the world. Polls show many don't think the country's first female prime minister will change that.
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November 10, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Polling from the end of October 2025 shows Takaichi Sanae's cabinet with somewhere between 68% and 74% public support. Nikkei puts her 20+ points higher than her predecessor, Ishiba Shigeru, who started his short-lived term with a mere 51% support.
ICYMI: Good news for shoppers around the world! The popular digital marketplace Mercari has announced a forthcoming app for global users that will reduce or eliminate middleman selling and open the Japanese marketplace to all.
Japan Shopping Giant Mercari Eyes the Global Market With New App - Unseen Japan
Japan's most popular online marketplace is only available in a handful of other countries. That's all about to change.
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November 10, 2025 at 1:31 PM
ICYMI: Good news for shoppers around the world! The popular digital marketplace Mercari has announced a forthcoming app for global users that will reduce or eliminate middleman selling and open the Japanese marketplace to all.
A typical girls’ bar will charge 3,000 yen ($19) or more an hour. This may or may not include an “all you can drink” menu. Like con cafes, you can (and should) buy your hostess a drink for every hour you stay and chat.
Maid Cafes vs. Con Cafes vs. Girls’ Bars: What They Are (and Whether You Can Go) - Unseen Japan
There are more kawaii cafes and bars in Japan than you can shake a stick at. Here's a guide to what each one offers.
buff.ly
November 10, 2025 at 1:30 PM
A typical girls’ bar will charge 3,000 yen ($19) or more an hour. This may or may not include an “all you can drink” menu. Like con cafes, you can (and should) buy your hostess a drink for every hour you stay and chat.
ICYMI: On September 12th, Tokyo's Takanawa Gateway area saw the launch of a massive NeWoman department store. And its crowning feature may be its shiny new bookstore and cafe.
Bunkitsu Tokyo: New, Sprawling Bookstore Cafe Is a Wonderland of Relaxation - Unseen Japan
The massive new bookstore, with over 100,000 books, offers three cafes where you can choose to hang out for an hour - or even all day.
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November 10, 2025 at 1:02 PM
ICYMI: On September 12th, Tokyo's Takanawa Gateway area saw the launch of a massive NeWoman department store. And its crowning feature may be its shiny new bookstore and cafe.
“Complete Strangers” capsule toy creator Terai Hiroki conceived of the project during COVID as a feel-good way to see people’s faces when everyone was wearing masks. Early user tests convinced him he was on to something special.
Japan's Latest Hit Capsule Toy Is Random People - Unseen Japan
The photos of random government IDs are the latest in a long line of offbeat collectibles that span the toy's 60-year history.
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November 10, 2025 at 1:02 PM
“Complete Strangers” capsule toy creator Terai Hiroki conceived of the project during COVID as a feel-good way to see people’s faces when everyone was wearing masks. Early user tests convinced him he was on to something special.
Even at Shimane’s three major attractions—Izumo Taisha Shrine, Matsue Castle, and the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine—the number of tourists remains modest. While some foreign travelers visit, their presence is limited.
Unseen Shimane: Despite Japan's Tourism Boom, the "Land of the Gods" Ranks Last - Unseen Japan
As tourists create overcrowded conditions across Japan, one of the country's most spiritually symbolic prefectures remains overlooked.
buff.ly
November 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Even at Shimane’s three major attractions—Izumo Taisha Shrine, Matsue Castle, and the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine—the number of tourists remains modest. While some foreign travelers visit, their presence is limited.
Enthusiasm for Kamakura's overtourism crowdfunding campaign has been weak. As of 5:30 p.m. on October 15, six days after launch, only one person had donated, offering ¥10,000 ($64). That represents just 0.2 percent of the ¥3.5 million target.
Japan's Kamakura Tries Crowdfunding to Fight Overtourism. It Isn't Going Well - Unseen Japan
The city, which hosts a famous anime pilgrimage site, is way behind in its campaign to combat street congestion and littering.
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November 10, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Enthusiasm for Kamakura's overtourism crowdfunding campaign has been weak. As of 5:30 p.m. on October 15, six days after launch, only one person had donated, offering ¥10,000 ($64). That represents just 0.2 percent of the ¥3.5 million target.
As Japan experiences record-breaking tourism numbers, not every region shares the spotlight. Shimane Prefecture remains quietly apart, offering a sacred shrine, ancient legends, and a slower pace of travel.
buff.ly/Wk0L368
buff.ly/Wk0L368
Unseen Shimane: Despite Japan's Tourism Boom, the "Land of the Gods" Ranks Last - Unseen Japan
As tourists create overcrowded conditions across Japan, one of the country's most spiritually symbolic prefectures remains overlooked.
unseen-japan.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:24 AM
As Japan experiences record-breaking tourism numbers, not every region shares the spotlight. Shimane Prefecture remains quietly apart, offering a sacred shrine, ancient legends, and a slower pace of travel.
buff.ly/Wk0L368
buff.ly/Wk0L368
Reposted by Unseen Japan
Traditional Japanese yaoi paddle
November 9, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Traditional Japanese yaoi paddle
[Insider] Japan's government is becoming stuck in a rut where its major policy initiatives seem aimed at punishing foreigners. It's a smokescreen aimed to obscure decades of failure. Learn more in our latest for subscribers below:
buff.ly/ejtkuRf
buff.ly/ejtkuRf
[Insider] Japan's Obsession With Punishing Foreigners is a Ticking Time Bomb - Unseen Japan
Japan's ruling class can't admit how badly it's failed the country. So it's blaming foreigners for all its problems instead.
unseen-japan.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:53 PM
[Insider] Japan's government is becoming stuck in a rut where its major policy initiatives seem aimed at punishing foreigners. It's a smokescreen aimed to obscure decades of failure. Learn more in our latest for subscribers below:
buff.ly/ejtkuRf
buff.ly/ejtkuRf
Hot springs are undoubtedly one of Japan’s most cherished treasures. But their significance goes beyond mere relaxation; they also hold a rich historical legacy. Here’s a look at the world’s oldest onsen inn.
Keiunkan: Why You Should Visit Japan's Oldest Onsen - Unseen Japan
Hot springs are a hallmark of Japanese culture. Japan's oldest onsen is 1300 years old - and still going strong.
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November 8, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Hot springs are undoubtedly one of Japan’s most cherished treasures. But their significance goes beyond mere relaxation; they also hold a rich historical legacy. Here’s a look at the world’s oldest onsen inn.
Reposted by Unseen Japan
Yeah, when you get cursed out in Japanese, you know it.
November 7, 2025 at 12:57 AM
Yeah, when you get cursed out in Japanese, you know it.
Good news: Itō Shiori's BLACK BOX DIARIES, her documentary about her sexual assault case, will finally air in Japan over a year after its release. The screening was delayed after some challenged whether Itō had the rights to air certain footage.
buff.ly/RnrAB64
buff.ly/RnrAB64
Itō Shiori's BLACK BOX DIARIES Will (Finally) Release in Japan After Controversy - Unseen Japan
The film, released in October 2024, has yet to screen in the filmmaker's own country due to questions around the footage it used.
unseen-japan.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Good news: Itō Shiori's BLACK BOX DIARIES, her documentary about her sexual assault case, will finally air in Japan over a year after its release. The screening was delayed after some challenged whether Itō had the rights to air certain footage.
buff.ly/RnrAB64
buff.ly/RnrAB64
Want to get away from the crowds in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto on your visit to Japan? Miyagi Prefecture, located in the country’s Tohoku (northeastern) region, offers history, temples, markets, natural beauty, and great food.
buff.ly/URCqZCK
buff.ly/URCqZCK
Miyagi Prefecture: The Top 10 Must-See Travel Spots - Unseen Japan
Wanna see something different while in Japan? Get away from the crowds - head to Miyagi Prefecture and check out these sights.
unseen-japan.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Want to get away from the crowds in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto on your visit to Japan? Miyagi Prefecture, located in the country’s Tohoku (northeastern) region, offers history, temples, markets, natural beauty, and great food.
buff.ly/URCqZCK
buff.ly/URCqZCK
Idol Fujisaki Azu posted a photo of herself at a movie theater holding a snack and drink tray. Some eagle-eyed fans saw what they determined to be a man’s reflection in the lid of her plastic soda glass. Things went downhill from there.
Japanese Idol Fired After Alleged Boyfriend's Picture Caught in Cup's Reflection - Unseen Japan
The controversy renews the debate around the implied (and, sometimes, contractual) rule that idols don't deserve a personal life.
buff.ly
November 7, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Idol Fujisaki Azu posted a photo of herself at a movie theater holding a snack and drink tray. Some eagle-eyed fans saw what they determined to be a man’s reflection in the lid of her plastic soda glass. Things went downhill from there.
Recently, new Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae said she wants her government to revisit limits on work hours. Her party has endorsed, not “work reform” (働き方改革; hatarakikata kaikaku), but “will to work reform” (働きたい改革; hatarakitai kaikaku).
Report: Nearly 30% of Japan’s Restaurant Managers Work 60-Hour Weeks - Unseen Japan
A new report finds that one-third of all restaurant managers are so busy that they're at risk of working themselves to death.
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November 7, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Recently, new Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae said she wants her government to revisit limits on work hours. Her party has endorsed, not “work reform” (働き方改革; hatarakikata kaikaku), but “will to work reform” (働きたい改革; hatarakitai kaikaku).
A report from Yano Research shows spending on idols – concerts, merchandise, etc. – growing steadily year after year. In 2024, the market for idols alone was 205 billion yen ($1.3B).
Real-Life Love Live!: Japanese High School To Start Official School Idol Club - Unseen Japan
Nagano Nichidai High School even says it'll fast-track non-students for matriculation if they're accepted into the club.
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November 7, 2025 at 1:01 PM
A report from Yano Research shows spending on idols – concerts, merchandise, etc. – growing steadily year after year. In 2024, the market for idols alone was 205 billion yen ($1.3B).
November 7, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Reposted by Unseen Japan
Setting aside the fact that the idol industry is sexually exploitative and a 17-year-old shouldn’t be allowed to be part of it in the first place, Japan desperately needs to have laws that ban companies from controlling idols’ personal lives.
17-year-old idol Fujisaki Azu is out of a job after her group, HEROINES, dismissed her for a "severe contractual violation." The announcement came two days after she shared a picture that Netizens say proves she - gasp! - has a boyfriend.
buff.ly/DPkGYJY
buff.ly/DPkGYJY
Japanese Idol Fired After Alleged Boyfriend's Picture Caught in Cup's Reflection - Unseen Japan
The controversy renews the debate around the implied (and, sometimes, contractual) rule that idols don't deserve a personal life.
unseen-japan.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:10 AM
Setting aside the fact that the idol industry is sexually exploitative and a 17-year-old shouldn’t be allowed to be part of it in the first place, Japan desperately needs to have laws that ban companies from controlling idols’ personal lives.
Reposted by Unseen Japan
Admittedly, I prefer kpop idols over jpop idols, but the dating ban bullshit is the same
Said it before, saying it again: I hope all my favs date, love, and fuck as much as they want
Said it before, saying it again: I hope all my favs date, love, and fuck as much as they want
17-year-old idol Fujisaki Azu is out of a job after her group, HEROINES, dismissed her for a "severe contractual violation." The announcement came two days after she shared a picture that Netizens say proves she - gasp! - has a boyfriend.
buff.ly/DPkGYJY
buff.ly/DPkGYJY
Japanese Idol Fired After Alleged Boyfriend's Picture Caught in Cup's Reflection - Unseen Japan
The controversy renews the debate around the implied (and, sometimes, contractual) rule that idols don't deserve a personal life.
unseen-japan.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Admittedly, I prefer kpop idols over jpop idols, but the dating ban bullshit is the same
Said it before, saying it again: I hope all my favs date, love, and fuck as much as they want
Said it before, saying it again: I hope all my favs date, love, and fuck as much as they want
Reposted by Unseen Japan
Check out my latest article for UnseenJapan!
"Hōrensō" in Japan is more than just spinach - it's the secret to effective business communication. But as our author writes, the concept can also be used to shut down subordinates and shield superiors from responsibility.
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buff.ly/m3mHwm1
Double-Edged Harmony: What "Hōrensō" Reveals About Japanese Work Culture - Unseen Japan
Japan’s famous "hōrensō" work mantra promises harmony and trust. Its roots reveal a system that also silences workers and protects power.
unseen-japan.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:46 AM
Check out my latest article for UnseenJapan!
”It's sweet potato season. Here's this year's potato that'll send a shiver down everyone's spines."
November 6, 2025 at 8:56 PM
”It's sweet potato season. Here's this year's potato that'll send a shiver down everyone's spines."
Reposted by Unseen Japan
Not only are there racist hogs all across the world, they are also all stupid in the same way. They just love to go into a frenzy and get mad at things that:
1) Aren't real
2) Even if they were real they wouldn't be bad
3) They also wouldn't affect them anyway
1) Aren't real
2) Even if they were real they wouldn't be bad
3) They also wouldn't affect them anyway
Some towns in Japan have, in fact, begun serving Muslim-friendly school lunches. Sakai and Goka in Ibaraki Prefecture provided halal lunches in 2024, so that Muslim students could eat school-provided lunch alongside their classmates.
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False Claim of "Muslim Lunches" Makes Japan's Kitakyushu a Hate Target - Unseen Japan
No, the city of Kitakyushu isn't offering "Muslim lunches" to students. Other schools in Japan, however, have.
buff.ly
October 24, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Not only are there racist hogs all across the world, they are also all stupid in the same way. They just love to go into a frenzy and get mad at things that:
1) Aren't real
2) Even if they were real they wouldn't be bad
3) They also wouldn't affect them anyway
1) Aren't real
2) Even if they were real they wouldn't be bad
3) They also wouldn't affect them anyway