Daily oddities from Japan. The stories travel guides skip.
Japan has one vending machine for every 30 people. They sell hot ramen, live crabs, fresh strawberries, neckties—and yes, even used underwear. Here's why.
On Aoshima, six cats roam for every human resident. There are no cars, no shops, no hotels — just felines, fishermen, and a slowly evaporating village. Here's what we found.
A coffin-sized sleeping pod, mandatory pajamas, communal sento baths, and a strange feeling of privacy among 100 strangers. Welcome to Japan's most efficient form of accommodation.
Akihabara has over 200 maid cafés. Most tourists don't realize they're walking past a multi-billion-yen industry built on lonely office workers, anime fandom, and ¥1,500 omelet rice.