Being pushed onto already jam-packed trains during rush hour in Tokyo is never a pleasant experience for commuters. It only gets worse during the humid summer months.

That’s why Tokyo Governor Yuriko…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 7 years ago | 0 comments

For those looking to get away from busy Tokyo for a little while and explore the natural wonderland of Hakone, the Hakone Freepass is the perfect travel option. Simple, stress-free and excellent valu…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 7 years ago | 0 comments

You may have heard about Japan's demographic crisis— but the country is facing another, lesser-known crisis as well.

Japan does not have enough Ninjas.

In an episode of NPR's "Planet Money" podcast, …

posted by  banzaitokyo | 7 years ago | 0 comments

If you have a plan to travel, or go on a date, you don’t want it to be rainy. But what if the weather forecast said that it will rain? You will be very disappointed. But you still have hope!

The Japa…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 7 years ago | 0 comments

Once upon a time, you could walk into a shop in Japan and buy whole casks of Yamazaki whisky from Suntory. Today, you’re lucky if you can get a bottle of 12-year old Yamazaki Single Malt. Earlier thi…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 7 years ago | 0 comments

Website blocking to deal with alleged copyright infringement is like cutting off your hand to deal with a papercut. Sure, you don’t have a papercut anymore, but you’ve also lost a lot more than you’v…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 7 years ago | 0 comments

The Japanese system is inclusionary, as contrasted to the exclusionary system common here in the US. The typical zoning form in America is called euclidian zoning, which specifies the allowed uses an…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 7 years, 1 month ago | 0 comments

The collectability of Nintendo's "classic mini" consoles cannot be overstated. Even after restocking the NES Classic Edition's original limited supply this year, the company has barely been able to k…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 7 years, 1 month ago | 0 comments

Convenience chain 7-Eleven might not be at the top of your list of brunch spots, but you probably haven’t been to one in Japan. If you’re imagining a lukewarm hot dog and some tots washed down with a…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 7 years, 1 month ago | 0 comments

Usually, when most people think of bento boxed lunches, one of two mental images spring to mind: either the quick, cheap meals sold by convenience stores across Japan, or the home-made versions lovin…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 7 years, 1 month ago | 0 comments