Outside In: Lost in Academia

Historian and author Dr. Barak Kushner is on a quest to deepen his knowledge of Japan's ramen culture. From postwar noodle stalls to regional ramen, he uncovers how a humble bowl became a global icon.

Japan's snack bars are a unique form of nightlife. Harvard-trained anthropologist Maura McGrath's research reveals a fascinating look into this world. What secrets do they hold?

From things like cosplay and BL, Japan's female otaku are reshaping identity. Cultural anthropologist Liron Afriat explores how their passions reveal new ways of life for women in modern Japan.

How can such analog crane games thrive in a digital age? French sociologist Benoit Bottos investigates how these machines captivate players and spread pop-culture images across Japan.