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).
Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s government is exploring a change to Japanese law that would require recording the citizenship of anyone who buys any type of property in Japan. The change aims to make the rule consistent across all property types.
Japan Continues Cracking Down on Foreigners, for Some Reason - Unseen Japan
New proposals around property registration and naturalization raise questions around what problem the country is trying to solve.
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December 9, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s government is exploring a change to Japanese law that would require recording the citizenship of anyone who buys any type of property in Japan. The change aims to make the rule consistent across all property types.
“The penguin, arriving from the distant South Pole in Tokyo, was confused,” the copy reads. “While he could get around in the ocean swimmingly, he couldn’t navigate Tokyo. Then, one day, he met Suica.”
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buff.ly/9F83GEm
December 9, 2025 at 1:45 PM
“The penguin, arriving from the distant South Pole in Tokyo, was confused,” the copy reads. “While he could get around in the ocean swimmingly, he couldn’t navigate Tokyo. Then, one day, he met Suica.”
buff.ly/9F83GEm
buff.ly/9F83GEm
An incredible aspect of Kitano Takeshi's filmography is the decade-long partnership he had with composer Hisaishi Joe; his elegiac scores bring a completeness to Takeshi’s style. With Hisaishi’s arrival, Takeshi’s films finally feel whole. Learn and listen in our full ranking! youtu.be/uDB5mZfzSEc
December 9, 2025 at 1:32 PM
An incredible aspect of Kitano Takeshi's filmography is the decade-long partnership he had with composer Hisaishi Joe; his elegiac scores bring a completeness to Takeshi’s style. With Hisaishi’s arrival, Takeshi’s films finally feel whole. Learn and listen in our full ranking! youtu.be/uDB5mZfzSEc
Reposted by Unseen Japan
Bonenkai Not Optional
December 9, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Bonenkai Not Optional
ICYMI: Until now, the Suica card’s utility for shopping has been hobbled by its low balance limit. That’s all about to change, as JR East aims to make Suica one of Japan’s premier methods for contactless payment.
Suica Unleashed: JR East Will Increase Low Balance Limit on Popular Transit Card - Unseen Japan
The Suica public transit card from Japan’s JR East isn’t just a transit card – it’s an oft-used cashless payment method as well. However, until now, the card’s utility has been hobbled by its low…
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December 9, 2025 at 1:03 PM
ICYMI: Until now, the Suica card’s utility for shopping has been hobbled by its low balance limit. That’s all about to change, as JR East aims to make Suica one of Japan’s premier methods for contactless payment.
Reposted by Unseen Japan
Look I can't explain it just trust me when I say this is the most Japan name for a business ever
December 7, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Look I can't explain it just trust me when I say this is the most Japan name for a business ever
Reposted by Unseen Japan
I discuss Minobe around once a week, either with visitors to Japan or with locals (including my wife’s grandpa, who remembers his three terms quite well). Every time I see a incineration chimney in the distance or walk a "pedestrian heaven" street on Sundays, I think of Minobe.
An apt comparison; Minobe was part of wave of Leftist mayors and governors elected during the 60s in Japan. Still hated by many on the far right today, Minobe's three terms as governor of Tokyo were successful enough that the LDP adopted many of his policies on a national level. youtu.be/v35H_7qcZos
December 9, 2025 at 1:36 AM
I discuss Minobe around once a week, either with visitors to Japan or with locals (including my wife’s grandpa, who remembers his three terms quite well). Every time I see a incineration chimney in the distance or walk a "pedestrian heaven" street on Sundays, I think of Minobe.
Reposted by Unseen Japan
An apt comparison; Minobe was part of wave of Leftist mayors and governors elected during the 60s in Japan. Still hated by many on the far right today, Minobe's three terms as governor of Tokyo were successful enough that the LDP adopted many of his policies on a national level. youtu.be/v35H_7qcZos
December 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM
An apt comparison; Minobe was part of wave of Leftist mayors and governors elected during the 60s in Japan. Still hated by many on the far right today, Minobe's three terms as governor of Tokyo were successful enough that the LDP adopted many of his policies on a national level. youtu.be/v35H_7qcZos
Takaichi Sanae's government is riding a wave of anti-immigrant populism in Japan with a slew of new regulations and restrictions. The question is: Why? Here's how the new Cabinet's focus on foreigners could ultimately hurt the nation.
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Japan Continues Cracking Down on Foreigners, for Some Reason - Unseen Japan
New proposals around property registration and naturalization raise questions around what problem the country is trying to solve.
unseen-japan.com
December 8, 2025 at 11:44 PM
Takaichi Sanae's government is riding a wave of anti-immigrant populism in Japan with a slew of new regulations and restrictions. The question is: Why? Here's how the new Cabinet's focus on foreigners could ultimately hurt the nation.
buff.ly/yN3nPk1
buff.ly/yN3nPk1
[Insider] ICYMI: Japan's ruling class can't admit how badly it's failed the country. So it's blaming foreigners for all its problems instead. A look into the meaningless crackdown on foreign residents in our latest for subscribers.
[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.
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December 8, 2025 at 3:03 PM
[Insider] ICYMI: Japan's ruling class can't admit how badly it's failed the country. So it's blaming foreigners for all its problems instead. A look into the meaningless crackdown on foreign residents in our latest for subscribers.
In the 2019 “Mental Strength Survey,” 26.06% of Japan's Gen Z said they view not taking leave from work as a virtue. This was the highest among all generations. The bubble generation followed at 24.01%.
Vacation Guilt: Why Japanese Workers (Still) Can’t Rest - Unseen Japan
Social mores play a big role in why Japanese workers say they report to the office even when they're sick.
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December 8, 2025 at 2:45 PM
In the 2019 “Mental Strength Survey,” 26.06% of Japan's Gen Z said they view not taking leave from work as a virtue. This was the highest among all generations. The bubble generation followed at 24.01%.
Reposted by Unseen Japan
Very surreal feeling down here in Tokyo. The most slight feeling of shaking I've maybe yet experienced from an earthquake, yet prolonged enough that it was clear something was going on. Hope things are ok up north.
A large earthquake, currently measured at magnitude 7.2, has just hit off Aomori Prefecture. A tsunami advisory is in effect for southern Hokkaido and northeastern Tohoku. The earthquake was strong enough to be faintly perceived all the way in Tokyo.
December 8, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Very surreal feeling down here in Tokyo. The most slight feeling of shaking I've maybe yet experienced from an earthquake, yet prolonged enough that it was clear something was going on. Hope things are ok up north.
A large earthquake, currently measured at magnitude 7.2, has just hit off Aomori Prefecture. A tsunami advisory is in effect for southern Hokkaido and northeastern Tohoku. The earthquake was strong enough to be faintly perceived all the way in Tokyo.
December 8, 2025 at 2:24 PM
A large earthquake, currently measured at magnitude 7.2, has just hit off Aomori Prefecture. A tsunami advisory is in effect for southern Hokkaido and northeastern Tohoku. The earthquake was strong enough to be faintly perceived all the way in Tokyo.
The digital age has further complicated Japan’s vaccine communication efforts. Social media platforms have become major sources of misinformation. False claims about vaccine deaths or exaggerated side effects spread easily online.
Vaccine Hesitancy Persists in Japan Despite Government Efforts - Unseen Japan
A combination of government missteps and online disinformation has steadily eroded public trust in the life-saving practice.
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December 8, 2025 at 2:03 PM
The digital age has further complicated Japan’s vaccine communication efforts. Social media platforms have become major sources of misinformation. False claims about vaccine deaths or exaggerated side effects spread easily online.
An apt comparison; Minobe was part of wave of Leftist mayors and governors elected during the 60s in Japan. Still hated by many on the far right today, Minobe's three terms as governor of Tokyo were successful enough that the LDP adopted many of his policies on a national level. youtu.be/v35H_7qcZos
December 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM
An apt comparison; Minobe was part of wave of Leftist mayors and governors elected during the 60s in Japan. Still hated by many on the far right today, Minobe's three terms as governor of Tokyo were successful enough that the LDP adopted many of his policies on a national level. youtu.be/v35H_7qcZos
ICYMI: There's a new ryokan in Ginza. But its $ 2K-a-night (or more) price tag makes it a bit different from your typical ryokan. How will this trend in luxury accommodations in Japanese travel affect the traditional inn experience?
Inside the New $2K a Night Luxury Ryokan in Tokyo's Ginza - Unseen Japan
The new offering provides a luxurious stay in one of Tokyo's most luxurious districts. But is it still an authentic ryokan experience?
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December 8, 2025 at 1:30 PM
ICYMI: There's a new ryokan in Ginza. But its $ 2K-a-night (or more) price tag makes it a bit different from your typical ryokan. How will this trend in luxury accommodations in Japanese travel affect the traditional inn experience?
Izumo Taisha enshrines Ōkuninushi no Ōkami, the deity of matchmaking and human connection. Every year during the “Kamiarizuki” (meaning Month of the Gods), deities from across Japan are said to gather at Izumo Taisha.
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December 8, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Izumo Taisha enshrines Ōkuninushi no Ōkami, the deity of matchmaking and human connection. Every year during the “Kamiarizuki” (meaning Month of the Gods), deities from across Japan are said to gather at Izumo Taisha.
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Officials say the extra revenue will fund faster processing at airports and immigration offices. The government also plans to expand Japanese-language support and integration programs for foreign residents.
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.
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December 8, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Officials say the extra revenue will fund faster processing at airports and immigration offices. The government also plans to expand Japanese-language support and integration programs for foreign residents.
Continuing on with the massive domestic box office success of Kokuho and the newest Demon Slayer, Japan now has a foreign film breaking records: Zootopia 2 took in ¥412 million ($2.6 million USD) on its opening day - the biggest opening day in yen for any foreign animated film.
December 7, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Continuing on with the massive domestic box office success of Kokuho and the newest Demon Slayer, Japan now has a foreign film breaking records: Zootopia 2 took in ¥412 million ($2.6 million USD) on its opening day - the biggest opening day in yen for any foreign animated film.
In announcing the release of BLACK BOX DIARIES in Japan, Toei said the version was completed “after making some revisions and adjustments based on feedback from those involved.”
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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December 5, 2025 at 3:05 PM
In announcing the release of BLACK BOX DIARIES in Japan, Toei said the version was completed “after making some revisions and adjustments based on feedback from those involved.”
Many talk about the past three decades in Japan (since the collapse of the 1980s-90s economic bubble) as “the lost 30 years.” Perhaps not coincidentally, wage growth in Japan has remained stagnant during that period.
Is Japan Poor? Combini's New "Rice and Sauce" Dish Sparks Social Media Debate - Unseen Japan
Is Lawson Store 100's new dish a sign of Japan's dire economic straits? Or is it just responding to consumer demand?
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December 5, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Many talk about the past three decades in Japan (since the collapse of the 1980s-90s economic bubble) as “the lost 30 years.” Perhaps not coincidentally, wage growth in Japan has remained stagnant during that period.
SHIBUYA109 lab., a youth-focused research group, surveyed 15–24-year-old women. Over 59% said they had attached plushes to their bags. Many called plushes soothing companions. “They lift my mood,” one said.
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.
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December 5, 2025 at 12:30 PM
SHIBUYA109 lab., a youth-focused research group, surveyed 15–24-year-old women. Over 59% said they had attached plushes to their bags. Many called plushes soothing companions. “They lift my mood,” one said.
Reposted by Unseen Japan
December is upon us, and what better movie is there to get you in that holiday mood than Kon Satoshi's Tokyo Godfathers? Heartfelt, hilarious, and even thrilling, it's our pick as one of the top Christmas films of all time. Learn more in our video essay exploring the film!
youtu.be/7o0RVtSoGTo
youtu.be/7o0RVtSoGTo
Tokyo Godfathers: Kon Satoshi’s Anime Christmas Classic
YouTube video by Unseen Japan
youtu.be
December 4, 2025 at 12:52 PM
December is upon us, and what better movie is there to get you in that holiday mood than Kon Satoshi's Tokyo Godfathers? Heartfelt, hilarious, and even thrilling, it's our pick as one of the top Christmas films of all time. Learn more in our video essay exploring the film!
youtu.be/7o0RVtSoGTo
youtu.be/7o0RVtSoGTo
What's up with Japan's youth and the cornucopia of plushies attached to their bags? A recent survey says the plushie bag charm trend can be traced back to oshi-katsu and a centuries-old Japanese religious tradition.
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buff.ly/9ls8Bp0
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.
unseen-japan.com
December 4, 2025 at 11:51 PM
What's up with Japan's youth and the cornucopia of plushies attached to their bags? A recent survey says the plushie bag charm trend can be traced back to oshi-katsu and a centuries-old Japanese religious tradition.
buff.ly/9ls8Bp0
buff.ly/9ls8Bp0
The idol dating ban rule is so controversial that some insist it doesn’t exist. Akimoto Yasushi, the producer of idol megagroup AKB48, denied its existence, saying that idols were simply so busy that they had “no time” to date.
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.
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December 4, 2025 at 1:30 PM
The idol dating ban rule is so controversial that some insist it doesn’t exist. Akimoto Yasushi, the producer of idol megagroup AKB48, denied its existence, saying that idols were simply so busy that they had “no time” to date.