All About Japan

Japan Trends

Japan Trends

All About Japan Trends
From design to politics, anime to tech, JapanTrends is devoted to telling the rest of the world about all the things happening in Asia’s most exciting place. High tech Japan? Definitely. Cool Japan? Of course. Wacky Japan? Sometimes. We cover both the good and the bad about Japan, bringing you news and analysis of the latest fashions and trends bursting out of this complex but little-understood culture.
Virtual Reality Made Real in Odaiba

Virtual Reality Made Real in Odaiba

Want to fight zombies in a VR warehouse? Head on down to Odaiba!

President Obama to Make History in Hiroshima

President Obama to Make History in Hiroshima

On May 27, President Barack Obama is set to become the first sitting American president to visit Hiroshima.

Get a Good Whiff of Sakura-Infused Beer

Get a Good Whiff of Sakura-Infused Beer

Even beer companies are getting on the cherry blossom bandwagon with products like this aromatic 'sakura' beer. We'll drink to that!

'Furoshiki' Shoes will Ensconce Your Feet

'Furoshiki' Shoes will Ensconce Your Feet

These wrap-around shoes have been inspired by traditional Japanese 'furoshiki' wrapping cloths, which were historically used to carry things like clothing or bento. But when you put them on your feet, they can carry you wherever you want to go!

Japan's Only Fashion Mag for Larger Men

Japan's Only Fashion Mag for Larger Men

Debuting in October 2015, Mr. Babe is Japan's first fashion and lifestyle magazine designed specifically for 'chubby' (or 'pocchari') men—which in Japan means men with a body mass index of over 25.

Nanoblocks at High Speeds

Nanoblocks at High Speeds

Make your own Hayabusa Shinkansen out of Nanoblocks!

Feed the Fish in Your Own Digital Aquarium!

Feed the Fish in Your Own Digital Aquarium!

Hook this digital aquarium up to your smartphone and you kids can scan in their own hand-drawn aquatic life!

Robot Ballerina or Cute Toy?

Robot Ballerina or Cute Toy?

These adorable electronic floor-cleaning devices blur the line between cleaning products and toys—as your cat will surely demonstrate!

Tomy's Talking Sheep Robot is a Real Cutie!

Tomy's Talking Sheep Robot is a Real Cutie!

OHaNAS is a cute, white, sheep-like talking robot that can play music and answer your questions. Think Siri, but adorable.

Mix it Up with a Musical Kendama

Mix it Up with a Musical Kendama

Made in collaboration with DJ Koo, this musical kendama toy lights up and makes DJ sounds when you successfully catch the ball.

Japan's 6 Weirdest RC Toys

Japan's 6 Weirdest RC Toys

Radio-controlled centipedes, anyone? No? How about a cockroach? Or a tissue box?

We Wish You a Cosplay Christmas

We Wish You a Cosplay Christmas

Following the first truly mass-scale success of Halloween in Shibuya in 2014, a number of revelers decided to carry on the cosplay tradition at Christmas.

And You Thought Kyary Was Weird!

And You Thought Kyary Was Weird!

Hamada Bamyu Bamyu is a comedy act parodying Kyaru Pamyu Pamyu. His first single is appropriately entitled, "What the heck?"

A Dynamic Guide to Japan's Most Exciting City

A Dynamic Guide to Japan's Most Exciting City

"Tokyo Totem, A Guide to Tokyo" is a guidebook-slash-pop-essay text focusing on the many angles and interpretations of Japan’s capital city.

Use Penmanship to Help You Stand Out in Japan

Use Penmanship to Help You Stand Out in Japan

Bestselling books and apps prove that handwriting is still a vital skill in the digital age.

Shodo Robot Combines Technology with Tradition

Shodo Robot Combines Technology with Tradition

Watch a robot that can perform the delicate art of Japanese calligraphy.

Who Wants to Play With Katakana Transformers!

Who Wants to Play With Katakana Transformers!

These plastic toys are shaped like the names of animals written in katakana—which then transform into the actual animals they represent!

Using Carbon Fibers for Earthquake Reistance

Using Carbon Fibers for Earthquake Reistance

Unveiled on November 13, 2015, Kengo Kuma's three-story "fa-bo" has been billed as the world’s first use of carbon fibers as earthquake-resistant material.

Nightmare Before Christmas Face Packs

Nightmare Before Christmas Face Packs

A costume that's good for your skin? Well, not quite.

Get Your Bento in a Tube

Get Your Bento in a Tube

Takara Tomy's Smart Han is a kind of push-pop for your leftovers.

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