Improving Traditional Crafts with Technology
Exchange students from the University of Buffalo learn about 'kumiki,' a traditional carpentry technique, from artisans in Hida, and use technology to bring this time-honored craft to the modern age.
The Hand-Dyeing Specialists of Sumida-ku
Handicrafts Local Creators' Market
If you're looking for custom, hand-dyed fabrics, these three specialists in Sumida-ku, Tokyo, are dyeing to set you up!
Wanted: Professional Cosplayers
Dwango, the operators of Japan’s Nico Nico Douga streaming service, want to connect passionate cosplayers with paying jobs.
Hello Kitty Coming to Converse Sneakers!
The world's cutest (and perhaps busiest) cat is coming to Converse sneakers, one of the world's best known international shoe brands.
Taking Denim Beyond the Jean Jacket
Local Creators' Market Hiroshima
Hiroshima is known for its denim. But the denim being made here may not be the kind of denim you know!
Get Ready for Summer with Sailor Moon Yukata
Experience your own 'miracle romance' in one of these Sailor Moon summer kimono sets.
How Are Men's & Women's Kimono Different?
While traditional Japanese clothing may look the same to the average person, there are some variances between men's and women's kimono. See if you can spot some of the differences.
5 Little-Known Harajuku Styles
Sure, you've heard of lolita and you've heard of 'gyaru,' but have you heard of these new alternative Harajuku fashions?
Japan's 5 Most Trusted Fast-Fashion Brands
Where do you go for fast fashion in Japan? Start with one of these five chains, ranked as the nation's most trusted brands in a survey of over 120,000 consumers!
Capturing the Perfect Pink of Sakura
The pastel pink of Japan's cherry blossoms paints the country for nearly a month in spring. One artisan has spent years trying to capture this color from nature and use it to dye fabrics.
Hamill Wowed by Animated 'Star Wars' Ukiyo-e
Mark Hamill has seen a lot of unique Star Wars tributes in his day, but this animated Star Wars 'ukiyo-e' got him asking for his own copy!
Starbucks Releases 2019 Cherry Blossom Merch
'Tis almost the season, which means it's time for Starbucks Japan to release another round of cherry blossom merchandise!
Classy, Custom-Fitted Pokémon Dress Shirts
There's a stylish new watch to catch 'em all—fans of the Pokémon series can now wear their favorite critters with these original designs for custom-fitted dress shirts.
For Custom Fabric Colors, Go to Sumida-ku
Handicrafts Local Creators' Market
Place an order with a swatch or color chip, and shops in this Tokyo district will delve into a formidable databank of colors amassed over the history of the craft to instantly dye your fabric to the exact color of the sample.
Studio Ghibli Goods Catch 2019 Sakura Fever
A Japanese retail chain dedicated to selling official Studio Ghibli merchandise is ready to debut their 2019 cherry blossom season goods!
Kawaii Conan Spotted in Harajuku
After landing in Japan, the late night American comedian Conan O'Brien took to the streets of Harajuku to try out a unique Japanese fashion subculture.
New Season, New Starbucks Merch!
As Japan swings into summer, Starbucks Japan once unleashes a torrent of awesome, exclusive merch! Will our wallets survive?
Onitsuka Tiger: Shoes Running Around the World
Onitsuka Tiger is an iconic shoe brand produced by sporting goods company ASICS. Despite once disappearing from the market, it has been revived as a fashionable sneaker brand with global popularity.
Pop the Question with a Pokémon Ring!
This solid gold diamond ring—featuring the adorable Pokémon, Mew—will certainly have them saying “I do!"
Endless Design Possibilities: Fukuyama Denim
Local Creators' Market Hiroshima
Specialists in every step of denim manufacture—spinning, dyeing, weaving, washing—abound in Fukuyama, a leading producer of denim in Japan. The locale is a driving force behind the worldwide appeal of Japanese denim.
