Japan Subculture Research Center

UPDATE: The Nigerian Government dropped the charges against Tigran circa October 23rd and he is now home.

Yesterday the former CEO of infamous Tokyo-based cryptocurrency exchange Mt. Gox announced the release of a new crypto initiative. The new company, called EllipX (pronounced “el-ip-ex”), consists of the EllipX…

The Real-Life Kamurochō: A Yakuza History Lesson with Tokyo Vice’s Jake Adelstein We explore Tokyo’s Kabukicho, the inspiration behind the central setting of the series formerly known as Yakuza. (originally…

I was writing to a former intern at Japan Subculture Research Center, Fresca, and asked her to send me her thesis to read—just as she mailed me. I think I…

Will The Empress Continue To Reign? Probably.

The iconic 68-year-old Venus Café faces demolition, yet Kamakura City stands firm, leaving no room for discussion or clarification.

For years, Brunei has been ensnaring over 100 Japanese nationals in scams, while authorities from both sides fail to collaborate toward a resolution.

The yakuza, Japan’s infamous organised crime syndicates, have gone into a death spiral in recent years and Jake Adelstein says it is partly due to an incident at a sumo…

On the hunt for the perfect condom to suit your needs? Look no further — here are the top three preferences in Japan!

It's been 46 years since Takumi Yokota last saw his sister Megumi. Their family was just like any other, until Megumi became one of the many Japanese hostages held captive…