The Perfect Weekend Tour of Fukuoka City
A long-time resident shares her knowledge of mouth-watering local food spots, great shopping and open green space in one of Japan's most fascinating regional capitals.
The Japanese Village That Inspired Steve Jobs
Tsubame-Sanjo is one of Japan’s leading metalworking hubs, boasting time-honored craftsmanship that has caught the eye of many big-name manufacturers, including Apple.
The Isolated Attractions of Shikoku's "Tibet"
Some dedicated people are intent on saving the small village of Kito, and the last 20 bears that live in the surrounding mountains.
Experimenting with Japanese Dyeing Techniques
Handcrafted textiles, strong cultural heritage, and a love for traditional clothing — I have realized that these are a few of the many similarities that my home country of India shares with Japan.
Trying to Make the Antiviral Legend Go Viral
Legend has it that seeing a drawing of this yokai named Amabie will cure or protect a person from any disease. The creature itself is said to have asked to be drawn and shared around – what is known today as an ‘Instagram shout-out.’
Learning to Make Japan's Most Durable Washi Paper
The Kaminosato Museum in Hitachiomiya has a gallery of products made with Nishinouchi Washi and offers workshops for visitors who want to try their hand at papermaking or learn more.
Why I Love Imari Ware (and Want You to Love It Too)
Arts writer Alice Gordenker shares her appreciation for the Japanese porcelain that has captivated the world for more than 400 years.
Make Japanese Pottery at Uzumako Art School
Don't just buy some Japanese pottery—why not make a piece yourself at the Uzumako Ceramic Art School?
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.
Traditional Artisans Adapting to the Pandemic
Traditional artisans in Japan are looking for innovative ways to adapt to the new normal to ride out the pandemic.
Social Media Motivates Paper Cutting Artist
Social media is motivating a paper cutting artist to continue creating incredibly intricate works of art out of a single piece of paper.
Japan's Amazing DIY Superstores: From Cheap Urban Farming to Building a Home
Information Local Creators' Market
DIY has always been big in Japan. Now a number of stores cater to the creative in all of us, whether its gardening, interior renovation, crafts or even building your own house.
Discover Japanese Woodwork Traditions at Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum
This Kobe museum features the traditions and technology of Japanese carpentry and tool artisanship that are used in buildings from simple tea houses to complex temple designs.
Hyper-Realistic Cat Art Helps Cope with Loss
Wakuneco, a Japanese needle felting artist, works to help people cope with the loss of their beloved feline friends with incredibly realistic replicas made from felt.
Making Japanese Washi Paper from Food Waste
An established paper maker in central Japan has come up with a new type of washi that’s also eco-friendly. Craftswoman Masami Igarashi has 25 years of experience manufacturing washi and related products. She now makes paper from vegetable and fruit waste.
Ginza Itoya: a Japanese Stationery Wonderland
Japanese stationery is among the best in the world and Itoya Ginza is one of the best places to experience it. A 12-story stationery wonderland with floors dedicated to a different themes, you're sure to be entranced for hours.
Create Ukiyo-e Art at a Woodblock Party
If you're a fan of traditional Japanese art, you can create your own version of famous ukiyo-e paintings at Mokuhankan's woodblock print party experiences.
Unmasking a New Trend in Face Masks
People in Japan are starting to make masks using unconventional materials to deal with the shortage in the protective gear.
California Transplant on Mission to Save Japanese Crafts
Many traditional Japanese crafts are under threat. This man is on a mission to save them for future generations.
Roadtrip 5 Awesome Spots on the Noto Peninsula
Discover the secrets of the Noto Peninsula, situated on the wild northwestern coast of Honshu. Although remote, this area has it all; beautiful natural sights, historical architecture, fine handicrafts and relaxing hot spring resorts!