28 Businesses & Regions Receive Toilet Awards
Despite the already remarkably high quality of public toilets in Japan, members of Japan’s national government are spearheading a nationwide campaign to upgrade Japan’s public toilets to an even higher level.
Brett Mayer, Kanji Master
Learning Japanese Deeper Japan
Meet the American man who became the only non-Asian to pass the top level of the Japan Kanji Aptitude Test.
120-Year-Old Storehouse Reborn as Living Space
Aptly named the Rebirth House, this century-old storehouse survived the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake to be reborn as a stunning living space.
Ukiyo-e in Californ-i-ay
One early 20th century Japanese artist helped strengthen the cultural bridge between Japan and the U.S. by recreating the Golden State in ukiyo-e.
The Sushi Restaurant Run by Women
Tokyo's Nadeshico Sushi challenges gender roles with kimono-clad, all-female staff.
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.
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.
Laser-Cut Seaweed Makes Beautiful Sushi
Wrap your sushi rolls in beautifully patterned, laser-cut nori!
Shodo Robot Combines Technology with Tradition
Watch a robot that can perform the delicate art of Japanese calligraphy.
The Most Inspirational Japanese Teacher
One of the first JOCV volunteers was a Japanese language teacher who used her skills to teach Japanese to people in Laos and other developing countries beginning in the 1960s.
Live in a Tokyo Rubik's Cube
Takuro Yamamoto Architects have designed a brilliant little home that makes maximum use of Tokyo's cramped land space.
Minimalist Sushi Shop is All About the Counter
Opened in June 2015, the small and intimate space at Tokyo's Yoshii is defined by a long, continuous reclaimed wooden counter that offers a truly minimal dining experience.
Schoolgirls Create Disaster Relief Toilet
A group of Japanese high school girls has created a sanitary and cost-effective portable toilet.
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.
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.
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.
Spruce Up Your Home with Kyoto Incense Sticks
These Shofuan incense sticks come in one of 12 boxes, each matched to the seasons and events of Kyoto.
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.
Eat the Future with Automated Sushi
While conveyor belt sushi restaurants are also quite common in the West, Japan has brought this kind of eatery to the next level—with automated sushi!
Toto's Bedside Flushable Toilet
Toilet-maker Toto has developed a bedside flushable toilet for use by people who are disabled, elderly or infirm.
