Film & Solo Exhibition: The Whispering Star
Radical film director Sono Sion enlightens us with his solo exhibition, showcasing one of his most talked about films to date.
Hang This Doll to Pray for Clear Skies
While many believe the tradition of making 'teru teru bozu' dolls can be traced back to a bald-headed monk, history suggests it may have begun with a small girl.
The Portable Paternal Playgound!
This wearable prototype turns dads into jungle gyms!
Instant Ramen as a Samurai Epic
Accompanied by a solid Japanese hip-hop beat, this film noir anime recasts the inventor of instant noodles as a samurai warrior. Think 'Samurai Champloo,' with ramen.
Step into a Japanese Classroom at This Izakaya
With themed rooms and waiters who act as teachers and nurses, you’ll never want to leave elementary school again!
Osaka Gets Its Own Zombie Museum
This museum is perfect for those who want to experience living in a post-zombie-apocalypse world.
Can You Survive Aomori's Summer Stove Train?
Looking for a steamy train experience? Head up to Aomori for a stove train that's heated to 50°C in the middle of summer!
Navigating Japanese Umbrella Culture
The Japan Guy tackles an age-old philosophical question: 'What's the deal with umbrellas here in Japan?'
Wagashi Shop Sells Seppuku-Themed Desserts
This impressive dessert makes for an expressive apology!
Japan's Most Surreal National Park
From late April to early May, the blooms of 4.5 million Nemophilia flowers turn the hills of Hitachi Seaside Park a surreal shade of blue.
Otherworldly Transformation of Simple Ceramics
This ceramic artist takes utilitarian vessels and transforms them into otherworldly objects.
Summer Doesn't Have to be the Pits
Stay cool during the summer with an electric fan that circulates cool air right into your armpit!
This 'Izakaya' Truly Is Stranger than Fiction!
Read only if you're up for a wacky 'izakaya' experience.
4 Weirdly Themed Tokyo Izakaya
Looking to change things up for your next pub crawl? Why not grab your drinks in Japan's Warring States Period—or an elementary school classroom?
You're Never Too Old to Cosplay
66-year-old Tomoaki Kohguchi proves that as long as you're young at heart, and have the dexterity to sew, anyone can cosplay!
Painted Imaginary Camouflaged Leaf Insects
To avoid becoming prey, leaf insects use mimicry to blend into their surroundings. But what happens when the insect's natural environment has been completely destroyed?
Want to See a Samurai Vaporized by a UFO?
How does Nissin advertise duck soup soba? By having a samurai try to shoot down a UFO. Naturally.
4 Very Creepy Ryokan
Is there anything cooler than a 'ryokan' with a bit of a thrill? These Japanese inns just might give you a chill!
Gruesome Floats from the Neputa Festival!
Hirosaki's Neputa Festival is known for its gigantic, illuminated floats. But did you ever notice the gruesome details hidden in the art?
Visit the 'Museum of the Sewerage'
At the 'Museum of the Sewerage' in western Tokyo, you can stand on a viewing platform right inside the main sewage pipe—which smells about as good as you'd imagine!
