Shotgun Weddings At Least a Quarter of All Japanese Weddings

Shotgun weddings in Japan, also known as “dekichatta kekkon” or “dekikon” for short, are becoming more and more common. Several news reports seem to indicate a rise in weddings in which the baby has been conceived before wedlock. Shukan Bunshun Online Magazine reports that about 60% of all the pregnancy photos in the popular maternity…

Top 9 Places Japanese Girls Don’t Want to Go on a First Date

This sounds about right to me. Otome Sugoren, the female half of the Sugoren dating advice website recently did a poll of its Japanese female readers asking the places they do not want to be taken on a first date. The results follow: 1.  His apartment (if he lives alone)… it hints that he may…

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine – Japan World Heritage Site

Iwami Ginzan, or the Iwami Silver Mine will be our first visit in a series introducing Japan’s 14 World Heritage Sites. Iwami Ginzan is first, frankly because it is my favorite. Shimane Prefecture is hands down my favorite prefecture in Japan to visit, and has so much to offer in terms of beaches, hiking, sites,…

Takashi Miike Slated for 3D Remake of Classic Film Harakiri

This is definitely something for fans of the samurai genre to look forward to. The classic film “Harakiri” will be remade by prolific director Takashi Miike, a mainstay at international film festivals. This project, according to a report by SlashFilm will be Miike’s first venture in 3D filming, making it a very significant addition to…

Aomori Prefecture Welcomes Its First Starbucks Coffee

Aomori Prefecture is well known in Japan for its delicious apples, farming and beautiful countryside, and of course the Japanese Women’s Olympic Curling Team. This unique and somewhat out of the way prefecture is coming up now as it welcomes its first Starbucks Coffee shop in Goshogawara City. Hundreds of people were lined up from…