In Japan, you're not alone in being alone

Nov 15, 2023 | News On Japan

Social embrace of 'solo katsu' shows that to deal with solitude, relish it

Nov 15, 2023 (Nikkei) - Loneliness is a globally recognized social malaise in our fast-paced society, exacerbated by the recent pandemic. But there is a flip side to it: If loneliness evokes a sense of isolation, even in the presence of other people, its cheerful sister is solitude, a consequence of a proactive choice to be alone for reflection or to enjoy one's own company. Japan leads by example in embracing -- and even commercializing -- solitude.

Solo katsu, short for solo katsudo (solo activities), describes engaging by oneself in activities traditionally considered to be group-led, ranging from solo eating for beginners to solo camping for the advanced. The phenomenon, which has gained popularity in Japan over the last decade, has found its place in Japanese popular culture, becoming widely commercialized. ...continue reading

Typhoon No. 7 Transport Disruptions Ease, But Chiba Rail Lines Still Hit

Typhoon No. 7's impact on Japan's transport network continued to ease on June 28, with major airports and Shinkansen services operating largely as normal, although disruptions remained on several JR conventional lines in eastern Japan and road problems continued in areas affected by heavy rain and landslides.

Kanto Faces More Rain After Double Typhoon

According to updates at 6:20 a.m. on June 28, Kanto remained under cloudy rainy-season skies after two typhoons brought record rain, flooding and fallen trees across parts of Japan the previous day, with rain clouds already reaching Yamanashi and expected to spread across the region during the morning.

Japan Books Spot in World Cup Knockout Stage After Sweden Draw

Japan advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup after a 1-1 draw with Sweden on June 25, finishing second in Group F and setting up a Round of 32 clash with Brazil in Houston.

Aomori Hit by Quake Measuring Upper 6 as Hachinohe Shakes Again

A powerful earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of upper 6 struck off Iwate Prefecture at around 7:30 a.m. on June 25, shaking parts of Aomori Prefecture and leaving Hachinohe, which was hit by a similarly strong quake last December, facing fresh damage.

Strong Quake Hits Aomori Prefecture

A powerful earthquake registering a maximum intensity of 6 upper on Japan’s seismic scale struck Aomori Prefecture at around 7:30 a.m. today. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the epicenter was off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, with a depth of about 50 kilometers. The earthquake’s magnitude was estimated at 6.9.

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Police Set Up Kabukicho Council To Protect Toyoko Kids

Shinjuku Ward, the Tokyo metropolitan government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department have jointly established a Kabukicho measures council to strengthen efforts to prevent young people known as "Toyoko Kids" from being drawn into crime in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district.

Chinese Man Arrested After Speeding Porsche Hits Two Cars In Tokyo

A 23-year-old Chinese man has been arrested and sent to prosecutors on suspicion of dangerous driving resulting in injury after allegedly crashing a Porsche into two vehicles at an intersection in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward on June 9, leaving three people with minor injuries.

17,345 People With Dementia Go Missing in Japan Last Year

The number of people with dementia or suspected dementia who were reported missing to police totaled 17,345 in 2025, down by nearly 800 from the previous year but still at a high level, according to a National Police Agency summary.

Mystery 300-Ton Giant Hose Removal Begins Six Months After Washing Ashore

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Ex-Wife Arrested After Leaving Husband’s Body in Freezer for 14 Years

A 50-year-old woman has been arrested in Kobe on suspicion of abandoning the dismembered body of her former husband in a large freezer at a condominium unit, where she allegedly continued paying rent for more than 14 years while hiding his death.

Wanted Yakuza Arrested in 2017 Kobe Gangland Killing

A 50-year-old member of an organization affiliated with the Yamaguchi-gumi crime syndicate has been arrested in Yamaguchi Prefecture after nearly nine years on the run over the 2017 fatal shooting of a bodyguard for the leader of a rival group in Kobe.

Iranian Man Busted Smuggling 40kg Stimulants in Naan Machine

An Iranian national has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to smuggle more than 40 kilograms of stimulants from the United Arab Emirates into Japan in March, after customs officers found the drugs hidden in the bottom section of a machine used in the process of making naan bread.

Japanese Among 17 Detained in Laos Over Special Fraud Operation

Nine Japanese nationals were among 17 people detained in Laos on suspicion of involvement in a special fraud operation, while Japanese authorities have sought cooperation from Cambodian police over dozens of Japanese citizens believed to have gone missing after traveling to Cambodia.

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