Japan
Japan’s mischievously decadent sandwich is now world-famous
Deep-fried finely marbled wagyu beef lightly drizzled with a dark sauce and sitting between two wedges of soft Japanese milk bread – what’s not to love?
- by Ben Groundwater
Latest
Parts of Japan ‘likely to vanish’ as population shrinks
Japan’s population has recorded its biggest single-year decrease in history, falling by 861,000 people, as the government grapples with measures to reverse the trend.
- by Lisa Visentin
This comedian once thought she’d been kidnapped. She’s now a viral hit.
Atsuko Okatsuka is one of the fastest rising names in comedy – thanks to her grandma and the Drop Challenge.
- by Lenny Ann Low
Heading to Japan? The other form of transport to consider
Don’t be blinkered by Japan’s famed train system: there are good reasons to drive, and you might find it easier than you imagine.
- by Brian Johnston
The hidden Japanese town that time forgot
Big hotels are banned and the buildings that are here are camouflaged in a dense valley of trees.
- by Brian Johnston
With nearly nude women, the Joker and pets, a Tokyo election descends into madness
Personal publicity stunts have hijacked Tokyo’s vote for a new governor, with nearly nude women, an AI character and a man practising his golf swing among the candidates.
- by Mari Yamaguchi
★★★★½
Airport reviews
This cramped, daggy airport is my new favourite
This isn’t a flashy, modern airport, and it doesn’t have many exciting facilities, but I love New Chitose with all of my stomach and heart.
- by Ben Groundwater
Opinion
Food and wine
Businesses charging foreigners more than locals? So they should
Some Japanese businesses are controversially charging tourists more than locals. Here’s why I have no problem with that.
- by Ben Groundwater
Exclusive
Detained citizens
Detained Perth grandmother’s family speak with foreign minister in bid for ‘love scam’ trial to speed up
The family of Donna Nelson have spoken with Foreign Minister Penny Wong, in a bid to speed up the 58-year-old’s trial in Japan after it was delayed again due to last-minute evidence submitted by the prosecution.
- by Michael Genovese
Exclusive
Abducted in Japan
‘Heartbreaking’: Penny Wong condemns abduction of Australian children in Japan
Parents warn Tokyo’s two-year delay in implementing new laws could trigger a “dash to the finish line” to abduct more children.
- by Eryk Bagshaw and Natalie Clancy
Six times more: Call for higher prices for foreigners amid Japan tourism boom
A mayor suggesting tourists should pay up to six times more than locals to enter attractions is gaining support.
- by Akemi Terukina