Stories 15-11: The Best of JAPAN Forward 2024

Join us at JAPAN Forward as we celebrate the end of the year by reflecting on the best of 2024. Did you read about why Nippon Steel wants to acquire US Steel? Or about the Ukranian Miss Japan 2024?

This week's selection features stories and insights on Japanese culture, racecar drivers, and Demon Slayer. In the Year of the Dragon, they reflected the news and events that captured our attention.

Take a look to find out why your fellow readers navigated to these stories more than any others. And, once again, thanks for following JAPAN Forward!

This article highlights numbers 15 to 11 of the most popular stories of 2024.

25 - 21 | 20 - 16 | 15 - 11 | 10 - 6 | 5 - 1

Scene from the Demon Slayer exhibit. The nine Pillars are showcased through large graphics, text, and videos from multiple perspectives. Chuo Ward, Tokyo. Photo by Kenji Suzuki (© Koyoharu Gotouge / Shueisha, Aniplex, Ufotable).

15. Why Does Nippon Steel Want to Acquire US Steel?

By Hidemitsu Kaito

Nippon Steel envisions the two companies becoming the "best steelmaker with world-leading capabilities." Both can move forward by combining their strengths.

Read the full story.

14. Teenager Juju Noda to Become the First Japanese Female Driver in Super Formula

By Motohiro Wada

After winning the 2023 season title in Italy's F2000 Formula Trophy, a Formula 3 circuit, Juju Noda embraces the challenge of being a new Super Formula driver.

Read the full story.

13. Explore the Demon Slayer Pillars at Tokyo's New Exhibition

By Kenji Suzuki

Until March 2025: a new Demon Slayer exhibit at CREATIVE MUSEUM TOKYO showcases the series' iconic characters, with interactive displays and exclusive goods.

Read the full story.

12. Miss Japan 2024: Ukraine-Born Model Wins Pageant

By The Sankei Shimbun

Karolina Shiino, a naturalized Japanese citizen of Ukrainian descent, has relinquished the crown she won on January 22 in the 56th Miss Japan Contest.

Read the full story.

11. Predictions 2024: Wowing with Cosmopolitan Japan, Olympic Medals and More Scenarios in the Year of the Dragon

By Peter Tasker

As regional and global dynamics develop, predictions from these scenarios point to Japan becoming more open, more Asian, and more influential in the New Year.

Read the full story.

Coming up: the next five articles in our top 25, from 10-6.

Author: JAPAN Forward