Unique Ways New Years 2020 Was Celebrated
New Years in Japan is steeped in traditions, but there was more than one way to celebrate the coming of the new decade.
Run with the Foxes at Zao Fox Village
Zao Fox Village in Miyagi Prefecture is home to 100 foxes that visitors can feed, hold and pet!
Deep Dive Kanto Day Trips
More than just the beloved mega metropolis, Tokyo, the Kanto region is home to many local areas, each with their own unique charms. If you want to explore another side of Japan, these day trip ideas from Tokyo are the perfect way to do it!
Keep Your Eyes Peeled for These New Poké Lids
Pokémon have been popping up all over Japan in the craziest of places—below us!
Patients With COVID-19 Antibodies Found Immune
The results of Japan’s large-scale antibody test show all eight patients who had antibodies against the novel coronavirus were immune to COVID-19.
Designer Apples Fetch $2,300!
It's common knowledge that fruit is more expensive in Japan. Three of producer Chisato Iwasaki’s designed apples went for $2,300 at auction in Aomori Prefecture.
Japan-Exclusive Converse's Made with Sakura
Putting these sakura-pink kicks on your feet will help put more cherry blossom trees in Japan’s northeastern Tohoku region.
Color Your World with Vegetable Crayons
A company in Aomori Prefecture is making sustainable crayons out of vegetable waste.
A Reunion 9 Years After Tohoku Earthquake
Nine years after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami on March 11, 2011, and Japan is still on the road to recovery. But one grieving couple found some comfort in the rubble.
Holy Hairy Fish!
Locals in Aomori, northern Japan, find fish with algae growing from their heads that looks like hair.
Retreat to Towada-Hachimantai National Park
Retreat to the deep mountain resort home to meditative lakes, fantastical moors, and healing hot springs!
6 Tohoku Festivals in 1!
Tohoku's Kizuna Festival takes place in one of its six prefectures every year in the hopes of a full recovery from the 2011 disasters.
Time-Lapse of Recovery: Ofunato
This time-lapse video of Ofunato, in Iwate Prefecture, helps show how far Tohoku has come in its recovery efforts, and how far it still has to come.
The 1,000-Year-Old History of Hanawa Bayashi
The small town of Kazuno in Akita Prefecture holds the Hanawa Bayashi Festival, designated by UNESCO as part of Japan’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Japanese Tradition of Scaring Kids Continues!
Men dressed as demons scare children in northeastern Japan to discourage them from being lazy.
Float On, Giant Princess Kaguya
This year’s Tachinebuta Festival in northeastern Japan has a new, and very tall, princess.
Traditional Tsugaru-Style Shamisen Rocks
A professional shamisen artist in Aomori Prefecture gives concerts and teaches people to play the Tsugaru-jamisen.
Aomori’s Hirosaki Park Reopens
Aomori’s landmark park famous for cherry blossoms reopens after closing for 38 days to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Flip Out at This Unique Iwate Event
People compete in Iwate Prefecture to be the best table-flipper, venting their frustrations or shouting out their hopes and dreams.
Diamond Dust Glitters in Fukushima
The shimmering, icy crystals known as "diamond dust" made a village in Fukushima Prefecture look like a fairytale come to life!
