All About Japan

Unilever Japan Expands Recycle Program

Unilever has added the National Azabu Supermarket to its locations for collecting personal care packaging after use for recycling, with incentives under the UMILE program.

Toilet Wonders of the Architectural World

Head to Shibuya in Tokyo to experience toilets like you've never experienced them before.

Louis Vuitton's Water Design Shimmers in Ginza

Check out the awesome new storefront awaiting you at Ginza's Louis Vuitton.

Hayabusa2 Capsule on Display at Museum

A capsule of Japan’s Hayabusa2 space explorer is put on display at a museum near Tokyo. The container returned to Earth in December, bringing back materials from the asteroid Ryugu.

Japan to Provide ¥50,000 Handout to Parents

The Japanese government adopts a set of emergency measures to help parents in financial dire straits.

The Japanese Village That Inspired Steve Jobs

Tsubame-Sanjo is one of Japan’s leading metalworking hubs, boasting time-honored craftsmanship that has caught the eye of many big-name manufacturers, including Apple.

Astronaut Hoshide Excited About Tokyo Olympics

Japanese astronaut Hoshide Akihiko said in an interview with Nippon TV that he looks forward to the Tokyo Olympics while on his upcoming mission as commander of the International Space Station.

Salt Used to Create Stunning Sakura Artwork

Artist Motoi Yamamoto's latest work is a moving tribute to his family, the fallen petals in his life.

Simple Quiz Helps Find Your Ideal Saké

New Japan-based startup Kurashu is looking to help people break into the world of sake with a novel recommendation system and a web shop selling a curated collection of small-batch sake.

Ancient Ukiyo-e Battle Comes to Life

The "Folding Screen of Painted Sekigahara Landscapes" is welcoming visitors to Japan with an animated look at one of the nation's biggest battles.

Japan's Himekuri Calendars: Amazing Almanacs

Japan's traditional page-a-day himekuri calendars are fascinating windows into traditional ways of keeping track of everything from seasonal events to festivals and lucky days.

'Shooting Star' Bullet Train

A beaming bullet train running through the Kyushu area was created to mark the 10th anniversary of the Kyushu Shinkansen.

Artist Onogawa's 1-Centimeter-Wide Origami

Naoki Onogawa is sending up a tribute to the survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami with his incredibly tiny origami prayer cranes.

Starbucks Selling Reusable Silicone Straws

Starbucks is selling reusable silicone straws in Japan as part of efforts to reduce plastic waste, and it comes with a carrying case and washing brush.

10 Amazing Things I Can Do at My Local Konbini

Offering everything from underwear to fresh vegetables, Japan's convenience stores are an indispensable part of daily life. Here is why.

A Fresh Fashion Twist on Vintage Kimono

A young Japan-based Australian designer is reconstructing vintage kimono into bespoke garments.

Sustaina-Week: Seeking a Better Future

Boost your sustainability game with tips, products, and services from environmentally friendly Japanese companies

Violin Made from Iwate's 'Miracle Pine Tree'

A violin made from the lone pine tree that survived the March 2011 tsunami in Iwate Prefecture is featured at a memorial concert held in Tokyo on the 10th anniversary of the disaster.

Trying to Make the Antiviral Legend Go Viral

Legend has it that seeing a drawing of this yokai named Amabie will cure or protect a person from any disease. The creature itself is said to have asked to be drawn and shared around – what is known today as an ‘Instagram shout-out.’

Meet a Robot with Heart at Tokyo's Lovot Café!

The robots at this café are cutting edge—developed and programmed to react emotionally to interaction with humans. Now, for the price of a simple meal, you can get a glimpse of how our future will be spent with the cutest “care robots.”

know-before-you-go