About
Context matters.
Behind Japan explains the parts of Japanese society that are often reduced to spectacle, stereotype, or a single headline.
What we do
We publish English-language explanatory journalism about cults and new religions, the underworld, major criminal cases, social pressures, and the justice system. Our aim is not to make dark subjects more dramatic. It is to make them more understandable.
Behind Japan begins with material published in Japanese: news reporting, books, court decisions, government records, and official statistics. Articles identify their principal sources so readers can see the record behind the analysis.
About Rei Amano
Rei Amano is the pen name of a researcher based in Japan. Rei reads Japanese-language primary and authoritative sources and writes for readers who want to understand the less visible structures of Japanese society. Personal identity, affiliation, and contact details are kept private.