Japan does not have a great track record of recognizing and accepting refugees. However, it ranks among one of the highest financial donor of aid, much of which goes to helping refugees. We spoke to Jane Best of Refugees International Japan about how her organization that tries to improve the lot of refugees worldwide Read Now

In the third part of this series on her life as a hostess, "June" explains the practices known in the trade as "dohan" and "afters." Are these activities voluntary? How vital are they for the hostess to build a career? Read Now

St Paddy's saw Omotesando closed off for the annual parade complete Guiness hot air balloons and Irish dancing. JIN takes a longer term look at the course of Ireland-Japan relations Read Now

In the wake of a recent suicide pact in Aomori, JIN looks at the issue of mental health in Japan, particularly clinical depression. What can account for the dramatic increase in the numbers of people diagnosed as clinically depressed? Read Now