This comb jelly is more than a gelatinous blob – it’s a notorious ecosystem invader, a highly adaptable survivor, and a master of reproduction. The sea walnut’s bizarre nature fuels both dreams and nightmares, but for this marine biologist, it was love at first sight.

Among the G7 countries, Japan is the only one without laws in place to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination or to recognize same-sex partnerships. Meanwhile, conservative lawmakers cite the country’s alleged history of tolerance as a reason to reject legislative change. What’s behind this discourse and why is mere tolerance not enough?