All About Japan

Unique Home Design Takes Steps Into the Future

When Akihiro Ito, half of the design team Nendo, wanted to build a home for his family and in-laws, he turned to his business partner to design it for him. And it features a set of stairs that appears to extend from the sidewalk through the house.

Designer Creates Free Template for Face Shield

Bespectacled Japanese designer Tokujin Yoshioka wanted to do something to help healthcare and public safety workers on the front lines of COVID-19, so he created a simple and easy way to make face shields.

Ryosuke Otomo's Slice of Life Illustrations

Illustrator Ryosuke Otomo takes inspiration from the small, relatable moments of life.

A Pitcher that Looks Like Running Water

A Norwegian and Japanese design team worked together to produce a clear glass pitcher that looks like running water.

Award-Winning Train Designed by Architect

Architect Kazuyo Sejima’s commuter express train, Laview, took home a prestigious award for its sleek, unique look.

Japanese Art Supporting 'Black Lives Matter'

Amid the ongoing protests and marches following the brutal killing of George Floyd by an American police force, Japanese artists in Japan and abroad are showing their support for the Black Lives Matter movement in the form of diverse artworks.

Look Back at the Past Through Rounded Windows

Once you start noticing these fun retro windows with rounded edges, you might be convinced to photograph them all as well.

Make Your Accessories Fab at FabCafe Tokyo

At FabCafe Tokyo, the first digital fabrication café in Japan, you can use an assortment of 3-D scanners and printers, laser cutters, and a fleet of knowledgeable staff to make custom accessories, unique greeting cards, and even decorate macarons.

Antique Life Jin May Just Be Thrift Heaven

Scavenge for whimsical trinkets, vintage decor, and adorable animal motif goods at Antique Life Jin in Shimokitzawa.

Hotel Why Thinks Zero Waste Is Not a Question

Tokushima has a zero-waste policy, and Hotel Why is doing its part to be a call-to-action hotel. Why is it shaped like a question mark? Read on to find out.

Shop for Your Dream Life at the Loft in Ginza

Ginza's Loft store is attempting to spark a little more joy and awe with items to inspire you every day.

Nihonbashi's Neighborhood Noren Gallery

Over 30 Nihonbashi-based businesses came together to create noren (the curtains that hang in shopfronts) that symbolize their own identity.

Japan's 1918 Pandemic Prevention Posters

Even though Japan was widely cut off from much of the world when compared to today, the island nation still had to deal with the worldwide pandemic of 1918, better known as the Spanish Flu. These posters helped warn the populace of the time.

Find a Bit of Zen with Every Bite of Toast

Japanese designer and watercolor artist Manami Sasaki has embarked on a series of creative stay-at-home breakfasts using toast as her canvas.

Astounding Origami Tea House

Come check out Shi-an, a mobile tea house constructed entirely from origami without the use of bolts or adhesives.

Designers' Office Roof Has a Few Holes

When it came time to design their own office in 2018, the architects at Studio Velocity in Aichi carried out their usual vision, albeit with a slightly more precarious footing.

Hako in Hiroshima: Thinking Outside the Box

Take a look at this innovative home of stacked boxes, designed to overcome the challenges of building on the side of a cliff.

Using Washi Paper to Make Delectable Dishes

There's no better time than now to learn a new skill, and these intriguing Japanese papercrafts will leave you hungry for more.

Drawing out the Japanese Spirit of Epidemics

The people of Kumamoto have a legendary spirit that comes in time of epidemics. All you have to do is draw a picture of it.

Lawson's Products Got a Brand New Bag

Japan’s third-largest convenience store chain recently hired design firm Nendo to re-brand the packaging on over 700 private label products. And the result is as stunning as it is subtle.

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