To the international visitor, Japan’s natural landscapes appear as a paradise. The mystical, moss-covered forests of Yakushima, the majestic peaks of the Japanese Alps, the crystal-clear streams flowing through remote valleys—they all paint a picture of untouched wilderness, a fantasy of nature open for all to enjoy. This fantasy, however, can be shattered the moment … Continue reading Japan’s Wild Side: The Unseen Rules, Hidden Dangers, and the Price of Paradise