Articles by Allan Richarz

How hand-painted signs known as Tobita-kun became beloved local mascots.

A linguistic quirk created both Banana Day and Strawberry Day.

In response to safety concerns, teachers and staff are trained to subdue and disarm.

Nostalgia, tourism, and a desire for relevance help drive the trend.

Young heirs are abandoning the family homes of their forebears.

Fans are finding new ways to celebrate the band during the 45th anniversary of their first arrival there.

Shimi, or “grave-sweeping festival,” takes place every April on the southernmost islands of Japan.

It would be good for Japan's forests and farms (less so the deer).

The "5 pm chime" has taken on many meanings over the years.

Dedicated enthusiasts travel the country and scour the ground to see them.

Staff at "Station X" threw their teacups into lakes and stuffed them into hedges.

A stone monument marks this symbolic last moment of post-WWII repatriation.

The country's bluish-green signals are the results of linguistics and legalities.

They involved night hikes, forced public singing, and "ribbons of shame."

A seemingly silly gesture is done for the sake of safety.

It was certainly an ambitious proposal.