THIS IS JAPAN Japanese Information

The Online Trade of Japanese War Relics: A Growing Crisis of History and Memory As we approach the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in 2025, a troubling phenomenon is unfolding on the internet: the rampant sale of Japanese war relics on online auction sites. Items such …

Why This Heatwave Matters: A Record-Breaking Event in Context Japan’s summers are famously hot and humid, but the heatwave that struck the Kanto region on August 5, 2025, was exceptional. The temperature of 41.8°C (107.2°F) in Isesaki, Gunma, didn’t just break records—it shattered them, eclipsing the previous national high set …

Introduction In the sprawling fields of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, a troubling trend is taking root. Over the past decade, the number of children stepping up to take over their family farms has dropped by a staggering 40%. This decline, fueled by harsh economic conditions, the demanding nature of farming, …