A Country Town Open to Diversity & Possibility
In the town of Kamiyama, tucked away in a valley of Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku, the population is about a quarter of what it was six decades ago. But Shinya Ominami wants to make the town a place where diverse groups can gather.
Hokusai's "Great Wave" Splashes in Moscow
Katsushika Hokusai’s “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” is perhaps one of the most iconic images that Japan has ever exported. And it’s now emerged as a giant mural on the facade of a new development in Moscow.
Mastering Winemaking in Nagano
Well-known essayist and painter Toyoo Tamamura and his wife live in Nagano Prefecture, where they run a winery and restaurant. He talks about his new life and work styles, the late life lessons he’s discovered and his plans for the future.
The Evolution of the ¥100 Shop
It's amazing to see what ¥100 can buy! It's even more amazing to see what DIY projects some creative customers are able to accomplish using only materials from ¥100 shops!
Get Artful Info with the Tokyo Last Train Map
Created by a Japanese designer and map enthusiast, the Tokyo Last Train Map lays out all of Tokyo's trains in radial form, along with the times they leave their first stop and arrive at their last.
Awesome iPhone Cases Show Off Surreal Tokyo
Japanese illustrator Shinji Tsuchimochi created his own '100 Views of Tokyo,' and has turned some of his whimsical & surreal prints into gorgeous iPhone cases!
Masking Tape 'Paintings' Reproduce Famous Work
Japanese artist Nasa Funahara creates stunning recreations of classic art using a beautiful traditional form of masking tape.
Japan Opens a Door to Fourth-Generation Nikkei
This summer the Ministry of Justice began granting special long-term visas to fourth-generation Nikkei Japanese. If they meet the requirements, applicants can receive a visa of up to five years with no limits on the type of work they do.
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.
The Japanese Seasoning on Everyone’s Table
Known as 'shoyu' in Japan, soy sauce is ubiquitous in Japanese cuisine, whether it’s being drizzled on roasting corn or adding flavorful depths to vegetable, fish and meat dishes.
Memory Game Uses Japanese Manhole Art
A Japanese design firm has developed a distinctly Japanese version of the classic memory game, Concentration, using the awesome art found on manhole covers throughout the country!
"Fall" for this Incredible Coloring Technique
Japanese artist and Twitter user Kotetsu combines illustration, photography, and the Japanese art of kirie to create breathtakingly beautiful artwork.
Journey to Another Planet with TeamLab
Visionary digital art collective teamLab is back at it again! Their latest installation in Toyosu features huge, color-changing balloons and digital koi fish, and will be open until autumn 2020!
Universal Cool Japan 2019 Spring Attractions!
Universal Studio's Japan revealed its newest attractions, all of which are inspired by icons from the world of Japanese pop-culture. We got an exclusive sneak peek just ahead of the official unveiling on Friday, January 18!
Visit Japan's First Glass Torii Gate
If you're looking to see a one-of-a-kind shrine gate, head over to Kagoshima to see Japan's first torii made from glass!
Zoo Hopes to Help Japan's Traditional Dogs
A zoo in Wakayama Prefecture will be showcasing traditional Japanese Kishu Inu in hopes of increasing owners, and keeping the breed strong.
Limited-Time Redesign for Classic Snack, Pocky
For a limited time, Pocky, one of Japan’s most popular and well-known snacks, has tweaked its packaging design to be sleek and minimal.
Wakuneco Makes Heart-'felt' Portraits of Cats
A Japanese artist who goes by the name of Wakuneco is helping pet owners memorialize their furry friends with lifelike felt portraits.
Robot Serves Up Okonomiyaki in Okayama
Apparently, this robot has been serving up the savory Japanese-style pancakes on the downlow for over 40 years!
Battling Child Poverty One Offering at a Time
Temples & Shrines Life in Japan
Nearly 1,000 temples throughout Japan are banding together to help combat child poverty thanks to devotional offerings and the charitable organization, the 'Otera Oyatsu Club.'
