Ordinary Japan aims to explain Japan with enough context that unfamiliar systems and habits make sense without reducing them to stereotypes.
Sources
When factual claims matter, we prefer Japanese government and municipal sources, official statistics, institutional material, historical sources, academic literature, and other primary documents. Secondary reporting may be used for context.
Context and translation
Japanese source material is not always translated literally. Explanatory context may be added so that terms, institutions and cultural assumptions are understandable to international readers. The goal is faithful meaning, not word-for-word imitation.
Observation and interpretation
Personal observation, factual claims and interpretation are kept distinct where practical. One scene or experience is not treated as proof of how all of Japan behaves.
Corrections
Confirmed errors are corrected. Information about laws, systems, prices and current practices may also be updated when it changes materially. Corrections can be submitted through Contact.
Use of AI
AI may assist with research organization, translation and editing. Important claims, dates, statistics, quotations and source references are checked during the editorial process rather than relying on AI output alone.
Images
Original photography, licensed or cited material, and generated imagery are distinguished where that distinction matters for interpretation.