Japan’s sporting world was electrified last weekend when Aonishiki claimed victory at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, securing his first Emperor’s Cup with a decisive win over Mongolian yokozuna Hoshoryu. The celebration did not stop there. Only days later, Aonishiki was promoted to ōzeki, the second-highest rank in professional sumo, marking one of the fastest… Continue reading A Sumo Champion and What His Rise Reveals About Japan’s View of Foreigners
Tag: Japan
How Red Bull Is Winning Over Traditionalists at Omiya Ardija
For decades, Japanese professional football has been defined by a clear boundary between sport and corporate branding. When the J. League launched in 1993, clubs were required to strip their names of overt ties to parent companies, a move designed to create community-based identities rather than corporate teams. Former company sides such as Sumitomo Metal… Continue reading How Red Bull Is Winning Over Traditionalists at Omiya Ardija
Rising Food Prices Are Taking a Toll on Young People in Japan, Survey Shows
Inflation is increasingly reshaping daily life for young people in Japan, with higher food costs forcing many to rethink how much — and how often — they eat. A recent survey suggests that rising grocery prices are placing particular strain on those at the early stages of their working lives. According to research conducted by… Continue reading Rising Food Prices Are Taking a Toll on Young People in Japan, Survey Shows
Inspired by Shohei Ohtani, Japanese Girls Are Redefining What’s Possible in Baseball
In Japan, the roadmap to baseball success has long been well defined for boys. Young players grow up competing in school leagues with dreams of stepping onto the storied field at Koshien, earning a spot in Nippon Professional Baseball, and, for a select few, eventually making the jump to Major League Baseball. It is a… Continue reading Inspired by Shohei Ohtani, Japanese Girls Are Redefining What’s Possible in Baseball
Are New Year Postcards Fading From Japanese Life?
As the year draws to a close, a familiar ritual unfolds across Japan. Address books are reopened, pens come out, and households and offices prepare to send 年賀状 (nengajō) — traditional New Year postcards exchanged to offer seasonal greetings and good wishes. For generations, these cards have been a cornerstone of Japanese social etiquette, reinforcing… Continue reading Are New Year Postcards Fading From Japanese Life?
Christmas Markets Find a Growing Home in Japan
What was once a niche seasonal attraction has quickly become a popular way to experience the holidays in Japan. Christmas markets are now a common sight across major cities, with shopping districts, parks, and large commercial developments hosting festive events that draw both local residents and international visitors. Modeled largely on traditional German Christmas markets,… Continue reading Christmas Markets Find a Growing Home in Japan
Tokyo Extends Its Reign as a Global Dining Capital in the Michelin Guide 2026
Tokyo has once again reinforced its reputation as one of the world’s most influential food cities, retaining its top position in the latest Michelin Guide. The newly released 2026 edition highlights the extraordinary depth and diversity of the Japanese capital’s dining scene, awarding Michelin stars to a total of 160 restaurants across the city. In… Continue reading Tokyo Extends Its Reign as a Global Dining Capital in the Michelin Guide 2026
Japan Plans ¥1 Trillion Boost for Domestic AI Development
Japan is preparing to invest around ¥1 trillion ($6.3 billion) over five years to support the development of home-grown artificial intelligence, according to people familiar with the plan. The funding is expected to begin in fiscal 2026. The initiative will involve a new company formed by roughly 10 firms, including SoftBank Group, with the goal… Continue reading Japan Plans ¥1 Trillion Boost for Domestic AI Development
Japan Considers Language Requirement for Permanent Residency
Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party is weighing whether to make Japanese language proficiency a requirement for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency. The proposal is part of a broader policy package on foreign residents that the party plans to submit to the government soon. Party officials say the idea was prompted by reports of communication issues… Continue reading Japan Considers Language Requirement for Permanent Residency
How currency shift favours south Korea as China’s new bargain travel hotspot
According to Korean Tourism Organisation, 4.7 million Chinese tourists have already visited south Korea in the first 10 months of 2025, which is more than the total number of visitors for the entire last year. Recent movements in Asian currencies are beginning to influence travel decisions across the region, particularly among Chinese tourists weighing… Continue reading How currency shift favours south Korea as China’s new bargain travel hotspot