All About Japan

Hot Printing Startup Expands to Southeast Asia

With more than US$51 million raised to date, Raksul is currently one of the best-funded startups in Japan.

Toto's Toilet Showroom is Nuts!

Did you know that the newest Japanese toilets offer automatic sterilization, a dryer and even a massage option?

Toto's Bedside Flushable Toilet

Toilet-maker Toto has developed a bedside flushable toilet for use by people who are disabled, elderly or infirm.

Modern-Style Calligraphy Gift Set

Want to really level-up your kanji skills? This authentic Japanese calligraphy set consists of artisanal writing tools selected by Shinseido, one of last makers of Suzuka Ink in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture.

Timber Slats Catch the Light on Awaji Island

The IZUE architecture firm, powered by three talented architects, decided to construct the perfect island getaway on the Seto Inland Sea.

Public Toilet Looks Like a Mountain of Dessert

Artist Minako Nishiyama conceived of the project as part of the 2015 Oita Toilennale, perhaps the world’s first art festival dedicated to toilets.

Wash Anywhere with Toto's Travel Washlet

Toto lets you stay sanitary even when you're on the go.

Mount Fuji Envelope

Surprise your friends with a special letter or invitation using this delightful Mount Fuji envelope.

3-D Projector Brings Hatsune Miku to Life

This tabletop 3-D projector beams images that can be viewed from 360°.

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.

The Secret to Stable Action Cam Shots

With multiple tripod mount points and a number of different configurations, Thanko’s electronically controlled, self-balancing, three-axis gimbal is designed specifically for action camming.

Shodo Robot Combines Technology with Tradition

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

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.

Seiwa Denko's Bio-Toilet is 100% Water-Free

Providing toilet facilities is a major issue in mountainous and disaster-stricken regions where water and sewer services are not available. To address this need, Hokkaido's Seiwa Denko has developed the Bio-Lux, a bio-toilet that uses no water at all.

7 Reasons to Love WaniKani for Kanji

Wanikani (literally “alligator-crab”) is a web application that uses mnemonics and space repetition software (SRS) to help users memorize approximately 2,000 kanji and radicals, plus over 6,000 Japanese words in two years or less!

Dyson Robo-Vacuum Arrives in Japan

The 360 Eye is the British firm’s first proper venture into autonomous home service robotics.

A Modern Twist for Lacquer

Once used for salad bowls and decorative plates, lacquerware has found a new shape to wrap its sleek exterior around—iPhones.

Live Simply

Thinking of relying on the bare necessities when it comes to putting a roof over your head? Well, Muji has got you covered.

Making the Old New Again

Got an old, rusty knife? Hand it over to Togitogi, the professional knife sharpener who smooths off the rust while making the blade razor-sharp!

Life-Size R2-D2 is a Moving Refrigerator!

This plucky droid moves, speaks, projects images and delivers your beer. What more could you ask?

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