Karin Kaneko

Japan’s red-light district outreach under scrutiny after NGO misconduct claims Several criminal cases involving social workers tasked with protecting vulnerable women have dented the reputation of Japan’s non-profits.

My first freelance article.

What happens when someone meant to help you take advantage of you?

These incidents are not rare in Tokyo’s red-light district, where predators pose as an NPO worker, to exploit young women in night-life industry.

amp.scmp.com/week-asia/pe...

Halt of U.S. visa process puts Japanese students' futures in question The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo has confirmed that the embassy and U.S. consulate offices in Japan have suspended scheduling new interviews for student visa applicants.

Japanese universities and students are responding to the U.S. government’s temporary suspension of student visa application processing. Many fear delays ahead of fall study abroad programs.

www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05...

Fuji TV president resigns over handling of Masahiro Nakai scandal Koichi Minato has been the target of criticism following the revelation that he became aware of the incident involving Nakai right after it occurred in June 2023.

Details on Fuji TV’s news conference, including the president and chairman’s resignation.

The conference started at 16:00 and shows no sign of ending. It has been going on for 4 hours at this point:

@japantimes.co.jp Reporting with @yukanai.bsky.social

www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/01...
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Hair removal for kids — boosting confidence or preying on insecurities? Hair removal treatments are increasingly being extended to children as young as three years old in Japan, raising concerns over the risks.

In Japan, many salons/medical institutions offer hair removal treatment for kids. Some places offer for those as young as 3 and the prices can be quite high.

I talked with a salon's 6-year-old client and various experts. Here's what they have to say:

www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/01...

Japan drivers warned to steer clear of drunk pedestrians sleeping on road Collisions involving pedestrians asleep on the road typically spike in December, when more people get imbibed at New Year's gatherings.

Drivers, beware of sleeping pedestrians in the middle of the road at night, especially during holiday season as people would get drunk and doze off on the street, leading to fatalities/injuries.

www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/12...

You can also read more here on how the industry exploits young women:

www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/12...

www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/10...

Host clubs have been criticized for taking advantage of clients' romantic feelings for hosts, who sweet-talk them into ordering expensive drinks and food, sometimes on credit. When the women are unable to settle the high debt, hosts are known to persuade them into engaging in prostitution.

National Police Agency panel calls for stricter rules against host clubs The expert panel recommends targeting malicious practices, rather than specific establishments, to cover more ground.

National Police Agency calls for stricter rules against host clubs, famous in Japan as establishments where male hosts entertain female customers.

www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/12...

Japan to let investigators go undercover to crack down on yami baito Until now, undercover operations have been allowed only for drug- and gun-related criminal investigations.

Japan announces new measure to tackle yami baito/shady part time jobs:

Undercover investigators posing as applicants for yami baito (shady part-time jobs) to crack down on a surge in violent burglaries linked to such jobs.

@francisbtang.bsky.social

www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/12...