Thanks, scammers. Due to some people exploiting the system, Japan will now change how it handles duty-free purchasing by tourists. — By Himari Semans Tourists to Japan have long enjoyed the pleasure of buying gifts for those back home — or for themselves — without paying the country’s consumption tax. But the system’s about to change slightly after some savvy shoppers found they could game it to their benefit.

Not all of Japan’s wealthy residents live in cities. Learn how a small Hokkaido village of 2,700 found itself swell with cash. — By Himari Semans Locations like Tokyo’s Minato Ward are famous for playing host to some of the top income earners in Japan. But one pocket of the well-to-do is in one of the places you’d least expect it: a remote northern village famous for fishing. Where in the heck is Sarufutsu?!

Learn how “pien” became the in-fashion word of 2020 — and how its use spread through popular media and Kabukicho street culture. — By Jay Allen It’s not as trendy as it used to be. But the Japanese word “pien” — represented visually as the “pleading face emoji” — has secured its place in Japanese slang. But where did it come from? …

Mt. Fuji may lose its World Heritage Status if it can’t control overtourism. But one proposed solution — a railway — has critics up in arms. — By Himari Semans Yamanashi Prefecture’s governor is concerned about overtourism at Mt. Fuji. His plan? Put light rail on the mountain. Sadly for the governor, not everyone’s on board with a plan that critics say will spoil the sacredness of the beloved mountain.

An increasing number of Japanese women are finding it harder to enter the US and are getting turned back at the border. — By Jay Allen With international travel once again A Thing, more people from Japan are traveling abroad. Unfortunately, some young Japanese women who try and take vacations to the United States — especially solo — are finding themselves turned back at the border. Enticement to travel to Hawaii

Internationally famed director Kitano Takeshi is back. This violent, darkly funny film has some surprises in store for viewers. — By Noah Oskow In Japan, there’s hardly a more well-known face than that of Kitano “Beat” Takeshi, man of a thousand comedy shows, political roundtable programs, theatrical films, and more. And, historically, there’s nary a more prominent figure from the samurai era than Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the farmer-turned-warlord who unified civil…

Japan’s already strict marijuana laws just became stricter after some candies landed a bunch of people in the hospital. — By Himari Semans Today the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (MHLW) officially added cannabis-derived HHCH to Japan’s “designated drug” list. The move comes after a nationwide series of health incidents caused by consuming HHCH gummies last month. A new drug law The move comes after MHLW conducted on-site inspections last week in numerous…

A bottle of Japan’s Hibiki 30 is about to double in price. And it isn’t the only Suntory whisky that’s getting pricier as demand for Japanese whiskies shows no sign of slowing down. — By Jay Allen Whisky — particularly good whisky — can set you back a pretty penny. That’s certainly the case with Japanese whisky, which is enjoying a years-long boom. But that boom is taking a toll on supplies. …

Want a wearable snack? You’ve got your wish: Japan’s Meiji announced it’ll make AI-powered headphones shaped after its treat Kinoko no Yama. — By Jay Allen Ever see a snack and thought to yourself, “I can see myself wearing that”? If so, then the latest product from Meiji in Japan is a perfect fit for you. The versatile company announced this week that it would turn its iconic treat, Kinoko no Yama, into…