japan

32 Photos That Reveal The Disturbing History Of Seppuku, The Ritual Suicide Practiced By Samurai For Centuries

Traditionally, seppuku involved a samurai slicing through his own abdomen in a slow and excruciating death, but in later years, a second person would cut off the victim's head at the moment of highest agony.

By Joel Stice • Aug 18, 2024

32 Photos That Reveal The Disturbing History Of Seppuku, The Ritual Suicide Practiced By Samurai For Centuries

Traditionally, seppuku involved a samurai slicing through his own abdomen in a slow and excruciating death, but in later years, a second person would cut off the victim's head at the moment of highest agony.

By Joel Stice • August 18, 2024

A Japanese Company Hopes To Build An Elevator Into Space By 2050

Japan's Obayashi Corporation is making progress on their plan to build a massive elevator with a 22,000-mile tether that could send humans to the International Space Station in just two-and-a-half hours.

By Austin Harvey • Jun 6, 2024

News

A Japanese Company Hopes To Build An Elevator Into Space By 2050

Japan's Obayashi Corporation is making progress on their plan to build a massive elevator with a 22,000-mile tether that could send humans to the International Space Station in just two-and-a-half hours.

By Austin Harvey • June 6, 2024

The Story Of Nasubi, The Contestant Who Survived The Most Disturbing Reality Show Ever Devised

When Tomoaki Hamatsu, a.k.a. Nasubi, was cast on the show "Susunu! Denpa Shōnen" in 1998, he had no idea he'd spend the next 15 months of his life naked and isolated in an apartment — or that his ordeal would be broadcast live to 17 million people.

By Austin Harvey • Apr 23, 2024

The Story Of Nasubi, The Contestant Who Survived The Most Disturbing Reality Show Ever Devised

When Tomoaki Hamatsu, a.k.a. Nasubi, was cast on the show "Susunu! Denpa Shōnen" in 1998, he had no idea he'd spend the next 15 months of his life naked and isolated in an apartment — or that his ordeal would be broadcast live to 17 million people.

By Austin Harvey • April 23, 2024

Meet Louis Zamperini, The Legendary Olympian Who Became A World War II Hero

Although Louis Zamperini was brutally tortured inside four Japanese POW camps during World War 2, he not only survived, he later forgave his captors.

By Marco Margaritoff • Apr 17, 2024

Meet Louis Zamperini, The Legendary Olympian Who Became A World War II Hero

Although Louis Zamperini was brutally tortured inside four Japanese POW camps during World War 2, he not only survived, he later forgave his captors.

By Marco Margaritoff • April 17, 2024

The Incredible Story Of How Navajo Code Talkers Helped Win World War II

In 1942, the U.S. Marine Corps recruited 29 Navajo speakers to create an unbreakable code to use in the Pacific Theater — and by the end of the war, more than 450 Navajo Code Talkers had helped the Allies to victory.

By Katie Serena • Apr 13, 2024

The Incredible Story Of How Navajo Code Talkers Helped Win World War II

In 1942, the U.S. Marine Corps recruited 29 Navajo speakers to create an unbreakable code to use in the Pacific Theater — and by the end of the war, more than 450 Navajo Code Talkers had helped the Allies to victory.

By Katie Serena • April 13, 2024

Rare 12th Century Samurai Sword Found In Attic

The sword was pulled from the attic decades ago, but a recent ceremonial cleaning revealed it was a priceless heirloom from the 12th century.

By Katie Serena • Apr 3, 2024

Rare 12th Century Samurai Sword Found In Attic

The sword was pulled from the attic decades ago, but a recent ceremonial cleaning revealed it was a priceless heirloom from the 12th century.

By Katie Serena • April 3, 2024

Shoichi Yokoi, The Japanese World War II Holdout Who Didn’t Surrender Until 1972

Imperial Japanese Army sergeant Shoichi Yokoi fled into the jungles of Guam when American forces recaptured the island in 1944 — and didn't emerge until he was finally discovered 28 years later.

By Kaleena Fraga • Mar 26, 2024

Shoichi Yokoi, The Japanese World War II Holdout Who Didn’t Surrender Until 1972

Imperial Japanese Army sergeant Shoichi Yokoi fled into the jungles of Guam when American forces recaptured the island in 1944 — and didn't emerge until he was finally discovered 28 years later.

By Kaleena Fraga • March 26, 2024

Residents Of Japanese City Warned To Beware Of Cat Who Fell In A Vat Of Toxic Chemicals — And Is Now On The Loose

The cat appeared to have fallen into a vat of hexavalent chromium in Fukuyama, Japan before darting into the night.

By Kaleena Fraga • Mar 14, 2024

News

Residents Of Japanese City Warned To Beware Of Cat Who Fell In A Vat Of Toxic Chemicals — And Is Now On The Loose

The cat appeared to have fallen into a vat of hexavalent chromium in Fukuyama, Japan before darting into the night.

By Kaleena Fraga • March 14, 2024

Hisashi Ouchi Suffered History’s Worst Radiation Burns — Then Doctors Kept Him Alive For 83 Excruciating Days Against His Will

After a fateful accident at Japan’s Tokaimura nuclear power plant in 1999, Hisashi Ouchi lost most of his skin and began crying blood before his agony finally ended.

By Marco Margaritoff • Feb 29, 2024

Hisashi Ouchi Suffered History’s Worst Radiation Burns — Then Doctors Kept Him Alive For 83 Excruciating Days Against His Will

After a fateful accident at Japan’s Tokaimura nuclear power plant in 1999, Hisashi Ouchi lost most of his skin and began crying blood before his agony finally ended.

By Marco Margaritoff • February 29, 2024

The Life Of Miyamoto Musashi, The Japanese ‘Soldier-Artist’ Who Excelled At Both Swordfighting And Painting

A fearsome samurai, Miyamoto Musashi was famous for his double-bladed swordsmanship, winning over 60 duels — and painting peaceful illustrations of birds.

By Austin Harvey • Jan 9, 2024

The Life Of Miyamoto Musashi, The Japanese ‘Soldier-Artist’ Who Excelled At Both Swordfighting And Painting

A fearsome samurai, Miyamoto Musashi was famous for his double-bladed swordsmanship, winning over 60 duels — and painting peaceful illustrations of birds.

By Austin Harvey • January 9, 2024