All About Japan

Guardian of Travelers Now on Traffic Cones

These traffic cones are not only a sign of danger ahead, but will also protect you on your journey.

Otaku Tattoos Gaining Traction in Japan

While tattoos remain largely taboo in Japan, a new form of tattooing that draws on anime and otaku culture is helping change the local image of ink.

Merging Traditional Technique & Modern Imagery

Get to know Keisuke Yamaguchi, an artist who recreates 'ema' paintings for Shinto shrines, as well as creating his own stunning works inherently connected to the ancient concepts of Shintoism.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

The immaculately preserved Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is recognized as one of the most charming merchant’s quarters in all Japan. Located in Okayama Prefecture, local museums also feature masterpieces by El Greco, Monet and Picasso.

Sea-Inspired Miniature Newspaper Collages

This artist uses a wide range of multimedia—everything from snippets of foreign newspapers and magazines to 'nihonga' materials to create collages that illustrate the ocean that connects all.

Marketing the Otaku Lifestyle Abroad

How do you sell otaku swag online, and where is the market headed from here? Find out in this interview with Tokyo Otaku Mode founder and CEO Tomohide Kamei!

100 Views of Tokyo

Embark on an artistic journey throughout Tokyo with Shinji Tsuchimochi's 100 illustrations!

Andy Warhol 'Randoseru'

With Japanese kids' backpacks becoming fashion icons in their own right, why not up the ante with a splash of Andy?

Inspirational Vintage Illustrations of Trains

Discover the many groundbreaking locomotive images by Japanese illustrator Koyata Yasui.

Artist Duo Turns Japanese Puns into Art

'Dajare' is a form of Japanese wordplay, much like a pun, that relies on similar-sounding words to form the joke. Thanks to two artists, you can see some of these puns in groan-worthy visual form!

American Photographer Promotes Island with Art

American photographer Patrick Tsai is part of a team helping to internationalize and revitalize the island of Shodoshima in the Seto Inland Sea.

Top 3 Things to Experience in Takamatsu

From art islands to ancient gardens and intricate traditional lacquerware, there's plenty to enjoy in and around this Shikoku city.

Temporary Tattoos Detect Soba Allergies

These temporary tattoos aren't just for show—they could actually save your life!

Japan’s 10 Coolest Subculture Illustrators!

Check out 10 of the cutest, coolest and weirdest subculture illustrators from Harajuku!

Don't Throw Shade on Your Shading Skills!

Have you struggled with getting just the right hue of blue? These pens can help you out!

Hungry for Art? Try Some of These Cookies

A Japanese cookie artist turns blank cookie canvases into unbelievable edible masterpieces!

20 Japanese Words for Rain, in Art Form

How would you depict 'autumn rain' in a bottle? How about 'sudden rainfall'? Check out this design troupe's dioramas creating snapshots of 20 Japanese words for rain!

Captain America & Iron Man... Samurai?!

Iron Man and Captain America get a samurai makeover in this beautiful rendition of a classic 'ukiyo-e' painting.

Reflective Paintings of Water Ripples

Artist Yoshihito Kawase creates stunningly quiet water ripple paintings that reflect on the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

Where Studio Ghibli's Paint Comes From

Founded in 1950, this 17-person paint company has colored the works of anime geniuses from Osamu Tezuka to Hayao Miyazaki.

know-before-you-go