Despite Japan's shrinking population, the number of Japanese language learners overseas has surged 30-fold to over 4 million in 45 years. The driving force? Manga and anime. While hits like Demon Slayer smashing $7.3 billion at the global box office fuel unprecedented demand, challenges like teacher shortages and uneven access to education remain. Here's the full picture of Japanese language education today.
Mejiro University in Tokyo plans to launch Japan's only dedicated Korean Studies department in April 2027. Built on 20 years of Korean language education, the program features mandatory study abroad and dual-degree options, reflecting the massive K-culture boom transforming Japan's youth.
Italian engineer Alberto Donini's "Relative Erosion Method" suggests the Great Pyramid of Giza may have been built around 25,000 years ago — far older than the accepted 4,600-year timeline. Was Pharaoh Khufu merely a renovator? We explore the controversial findings, mainstream archaeological pushback, and what this means for ancient history.
Konan Women's University launches a new Faculty of Sociology in April 2026 that takes "oshi-katsu" (supporting your favorite idol/character) seriously as academic research. With Japan's fan economy now worth $23 billion, discover how this university is bridging the gap between pop culture passion and rigorous social science.
Kansai University has launched the "Flagship Research Program," offering over $650,000 in funding over 10 years per project, an unprecedented move for a private Japanese university. Learn how this three-phase support model tackles Japan's chronic research funding gaps and aims to build world-class research hubs.
Japan's Jomon-era lacquerware dates back 9,000 years—the world's oldest. Its pottery reaches 16,000 years. The Sannai-Maruyama site's six-pillar structure reveals precision measurement at 4.2m intervals, while Tatara ironmaking produced ultra-pure steel still unmatched today. Discover how DNA analysis, LiDAR, and cutting-edge science are decoding ancient Japan's astonishing lost technologies.
Japan's latest marine science is overturning long-held beliefs about fish. DNA analysis has dismantled the massive order Perciformes, nanoplastics are dramatically reducing fish larval survival rates, and a world-first observation reveals shortfin mako sharks "warming up" before deep dives. From environmental DNA survey revolutions to new species discoveries, explore cutting-edge fish ecology research from one of the world's most biodiverse marine regions.
A joint research team from SOKENDAI and Peking University has revealed that cave lions (Panthera spelaea) roamed widely across the Japanese archipelago tens of thousands of years ago. DNA analysis of fossils previously thought to be tigers confirmed their true identity, unveiling a lost ecosystem where lions coexisted with Naumann's elephants and giant deer.
The Oxford English Dictionary added 11 Japanese-origin words including yokai, senpai, and mottainai in its December 2025 update. Driven by global anime and manga popularity, Japanese language influence continues expanding in English-speaking countries. Full list and cultural context explained.
The Duolingo English Test introduces "Ear Scan" technology that uses machine learning to detect hidden wireless earbuds and audio devices, helping keep online testing fair for university admissions worldwide.
Discover why rugby players are highly sought after in Japan's corporate world. From the "One for All, All for One" spirit to Japan's unique "taiikukaikei" sports culture, we explore what makes rugby athletes ideal candidates for Japanese companies and how this reflects broader Japanese workplace values.
