Category: LEARNJAPAN

For sixty years, one silver giant has been saving Earth on Japanese television, decades before superhero universes became Hollywood’s favorite formula. However, most American fans who discovered Ultraman through Netflix’s “Ultraman: Rising” have no idea that in Japan, July 10 is an official holiday for the character, and this year’s is the biggest one ever. The Ultraman 60th anniversary is officially here, and Japan is going all in. Quick Answer: In Japan, July 10 is Ultraman Day, officially recognized by the Japan Anniversary Association. It marks July 10, 1966, when Ultraman first appeared on Japanese TV. In 2026, the franchise…

For decades, Japan has been known as one of the safest countries in the world, a place where political violence felt like a relic of another century. However, July 8 marks the day that assumption was shattered: four years ago today, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated during a campaign speech in Nara, an event that shocked Japan and made headlines around the globe. The Shinzo Abe assassination remains one of the most consequential events in Japan’s modern political history. Quick Answer: July 8, 2026 marks four years since former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was fatally shot while giving…

Every July 7, something magical happens across Japan: train stations, shopping malls, and schools fill with bamboo branches covered in colorful paper strips, each one carrying someone’s handwritten wish. However, here is what most visitors never learn: according to the original legend, today is the only day of the year when two star-crossed lovers in the sky are allowed to meet, and all of Japan is celebrating their reunion at the Tanabata festival. Quick Answer: Tanabata (July 7) is Japan’s “Star Festival,” celebrating the once-a-year reunion of Orihime and Hikoboshi, two lovers separated by the Milky Way. People write wishes…

For over a decade, Sword Art Online has been the gateway anime that introduced millions of Western fans to the idea of living inside a video game. However, ever since the epic Alicization arc concluded in 2020, one question has haunted the fandom: what happens to Kirito and Asuna next? Japan just answered with the reveal of Sword Art Online Integral Domain. Quick Answer: A brand-new original Sword Art Online movie, titled Sword Art Online the Movie -Integral Domain-, will hit Japanese theaters in 2028. It tells a completely original story set after the Alicization arc, with a story concept…

Summer in Japan is always hot, and most travelers plan for it. However, on July 2, 2026, Japan’s weather agency issued a rare official warning: a “once in a decade” level of extreme heat is expected to hit large parts of the country starting July 8. If you are traveling in Japan this month, this Japan heatwave 2026 alert is one you should not ignore. Quick Answer: The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued Early Warning Information on Extreme Weather on July 2, 2026. From around July 8 (July 9 in the Tokai region), temperatures in Hokkaido, Tohoku, Hokuriku, Kinki, and…

For years, BE:FIRST has been one of the most talked-about boy groups to come out of Japan’s BMSG label. However, on July 1, 2026, they did something that pushed them into an entirely new spotlight: they performed the brand-new song “Missing” on national television for the very first time, on the same night they covered a beloved Japanese summer classic.This BE:FIRST Missing performance instantly became one of the night’s biggest talking points. Quick Answer: At the 2026 FNS Music Festival Summer (FNS Kayousai), the BE:FIRST Missing premiere came at the 2026 FNS Music Festival Summer, where they also performed Keisuke…

For 90 minutes in Houston, it looked like Japan might pull off the upset of the World Cup. Facing five-time champions Brazil in the Round of 32, the Samurai Blue did not just defend. They struck first, led for nearly half the match, and pushed the favorites to the very last seconds. In the end, it took six minutes of stoppage time for Brazil to escape with a 2-1 win. Quick Answer: On June 29, 2026, Brazil beat Japan 2-1 in the World Cup Round of 32 in Houston. Japan’s Kaishu Sano scored first in the 29th minute, but Casemiro…

If you have spent any time around Japanese or Korean social media lately, you may have noticed a smiley-face icon popping up everywhere. It is called Setlog, and over the past few months it has gone from unknown to the No. 1 free app in Japan. What makes it strange is that it does the opposite of what most social media promises. No filters, no editing, no looking your best. Here is why young people cannot get enough of it. Quick Answer: Setlog is a Korean-made social Vlog app where you film a 2-second clip once an hour, share it…