Cats have been an ever-present part of Japanese culture for hundreds of years: sometimes cherished as devoted protectors of Buddhist scriptures, other times feared as devious yokai (supernatural ...

If you go to Japan, there’s a chance you might meet someone with an unusual name – such as “Nike,” “Pikachu” or “Pudding.” While still a minority, these names have grown in popularity over recent ...

Choosing a name for your new furry friend is an exciting first step in pet ownership. If you have an admiration for Japanese culture, selecting a Japanese name for your dog can be a meaningful way to ...

Looking for the perfect Japanese girl name for your little one? Whether you’re drawn to names inspired by nature, filled with timeless elegance, or trending in Japan right now, we’ve gathered a ...

As such names have increased, so has media attention to cases of people unhappy with them. But critics say new rules may infringe on the right to be creative. By Hikari Hida Reporting from Tokyo ...