An adult video company made millions with a bar in Kabukicho. Now the CEO’s under arrest because he never paid for the right piece of paper. — By Jay Allen Police arrested the CEO and shop manager for an adult video company in Japan. The funny thing is, what the shop was doing wasn’t even illegal — it just didn’t have the right license. An “adult theme park” Soft on Demand runs the store SOD Land in Tokyo’s Kabukicho red-light district…

As the new school year ramps up, students in one Japanese city will get a choice of uniforms — and parents a break on expensive prices. — By Jay Allen A new school year starts in Japan next month. And with it are coming changes in school uniforms. This year, students in Oita prefecture middle schools will get more choices — and parents will get more help paying for them. Gender-free uniform selection grows in Japanese schools

A cosplayer in Japan drew sympathy — and outrage — when their work was stolen by a Japanese “flea market” app that didn’t actually exist. — By Nyri Bakkalian A Japanese cosplayer was recently horrified to find that their homemade cosplay of a much-loved character — an outfit still sitting in their own home — was listed for sale on an online outlet under their own photo and some of their own words.

A Japanese court granted a Ugandan LGBTQ woman refugee status in a decision experts say could make things easier for all refugees. — By Jay Allen In a first in Japan, a court in Osaka has granted an LGBTQ woman refugee status over fears of prosecution in her homeland for her sexuality. “I’ve been shaking since I got here”

Anime’s popularity outside of Japan shows no signs of slowing. But how many people WITHIN Japan actually watch it? — By Jay Allen Millions of people worldwide consume anime every day. But how prevalent is it in Japan itself? The answer: not as much as some international fans would like to believe. Anime: Japan’s geek gateway drug For millions around the world, anime is their first exposure to Japan, Japanese culture, and the Japanese language…

Why a joke legislator from a joke party fled Japan to avoid some very serious charges — and whether he’s ever coming back. — By Jay Allen An elected politician in Japan hasn’t been to work since his election. That’s because he’s fled the country. And if you follow Japanese politics at all, you can probably guess which party he belongs to. …

Some Japanese parents love having fun with kanji (much to their kids’ eventual regret). Can you pronounce these 10 “kira-kira” names? — By Alyssa Pearl Fusek A lot goes into a name — that is, if you can even read it. …

Controversy has erupted in online Japanese spaces over photographs of visitors to the newly-opened Ghibli Park simulating assault on underage film characters. — By Noah Oskow (Content Warning: Discussion and imagery of simulated sexual assault) Japanese online spaces are once again abuzz today with rancor over guests’ inappropriate behavior at Ghibli Park, a space meant to stoke the imagination and provide an escape to a world apart. The uproar began late last month…

A gay member of Japan’s political opposition had a powerful moment when he called out PM Kishida’s refusal to act on same-sex marriage. — By Jay Allen Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has been on the defensive ever since his secretary quit over bigoted remarks towards LGBTQ people. Despite the controversy, Kishida keeps insisting that now isn’t the time for marriage equality in Japan. The call for equality