AI Takes Guesswork out of Choosing Sake
This artificial intelligence sommelier helps you choose the sake of your preference just by giving it descriptive expressions.
2020's Kanji of the Year Revealed
Learning Japanese Life in Japan
As he does every December 12, the head abbot of Kiyomizudera Temple took his usual place in front of a blank board on the site’s famous balcony, raised a large brush, and began the strokes that revealed the top character for 2020.
Trees on Trees on Trees: Cedar Platforms
Have you ever seen a tree growing atop another? Come learn why this cool and ancient technique encourages proper forestation.
Turning Fashion Trash to Functioning Treasure
A Japanese designer has created a stunning, yet functioning chair that's made entirely from excess fabric from the fast fashion industry.
Worship Your Feline Friend with Its Own Shrine
Your cat already walks around like a god of the house, so why not get a cardboard shrine to show your true devotion.
A Musical Scale to Maintain Social Distance
A mural by Eisuke Tachikawa is helping visitors to the Minato Mirai Hall stay socially distant while possibly getting the first few notes of Erik Satie’s Gymnopédie stuck in their head.
8 Things Office Workers Didn't Miss in 2020
A recent survey by the Japanese Internet portal Biglobe asked Japanese workers, many of whom have transitioned to telecommuting, what they don’t miss about their old workdays. Here are the Top 8 responses.
Hayabusa2 Returns with Asteroid Samples
Japan’s Hayabusa2 space explorer brought 5.4 grams of substances believed to be from the asteroid Ryugu on a capsule that returned to Earth earlier this month.
Eye-Catching Pieces from ArtKyoto 2020
ArtKyoto is back and we've got the scoop on some of the coolest artworks on exhibit this year.
Tokyo Building Shaded by Hinoki Wood Curtain
Witness the cool and cooling wood-curtain collaboration made by the team of Tsukagoshi Miyashita Architects and structural engineer Yasuhiro Kaneda.
Fukuoka's Giant Gorilla Is Symbol of Strength
Since the Amabie didn't swoop in to save Japan from the pandemic, one town in Fukuoka decided to bring in a straw-based specialist to, well, smash the virus with fearsome fists and glowing red eyes!
Celebrities Pose for Playful, Stylized Photos
Welcome to the imaginative world of art director Yuni Yoshida, who has been using celebs to create magical images that play with the way we see reality.
The Great Wave of Lego Bricks
Japan’s only certified professional Lego block builder pays homage to one of Japan's most influential woodblock prints with this epic Lego masterpiece.
Tree Rubbings of Artist Stranded in NYC
When the pandemic hit, Japanese artist Keiko Miyamori found herself stuck in New York, missing exhibitions in Japan. As a way to keep her spirits strong, she created tree rubbings, placing them in charming glass boxes. Check out the fruits of her labors.
Stylish Library Nicknamed Forest of Aphorisms
Residents of Nasushiobara City as flocking to the new library built by hometown designer Mari Ito.
Tokyo's Stunning 'Mizuhiki' LED Christmas Tree
One of the most modern and innovative designs we've seen this year for Christmas trees features the traditional craft of 'mizuhiki' hand-twisted cords.
Japan's 'Word of the Year' for 2020 Released
Learning Japanese Deeper Japan
Dictionary company Sanseido had a lot of strong contenders for its annual Word of the Year contest, as a lot of new words sprung up into everyday conversation like "lockdown" and "social distance." But, the chosen word for 2020 was still a big surprise!
Rebranding the Historic Izumo Taisha Shrine
Creative director Yu Yamada and art director Kishino Shogo worked with Izumo Taisha to modernize the crests and symbols of the shrine.
Ceramics Workshop Designed by Kengo Kuma
Star architect Kengo Kuma puts his signature stamp on yet another building with this ceramics museum and workshop in Komatsu.
Artist Makes 3D Sculptures of Strange Pet Pics
For one artist, scrolling past cute viral pics of animals is enough to inspire crafting sculptures that imagine new creatures.
