What’s great about Japan? Glad you asked, since we’ve got the answer in long form right here.
But if you’re pressed for time, this amazing video, in a little under four and a half minutes, will give you a beautifully condensed version of what makes Japan so special.
If you had to sum up Japan’s appeal in a word, “variety” wouldn’t be a bad choice. With that decided, if you were inclined to communicate your pick through video rather than words, and you were incredibly talented at doing just that, it might end up looking a little like the creation of Swiss filmmaker and Japanese resident Marc Ambuehl.
Accompanied by Oyosute Aina from the soundtrack to anime film Wolf Children Ame and Yuki, Ambuehl visits metropolitan Tokyo, refined Kyoto, and resilient Hiroshima, before ending his journey with a stop at Hyogo Prefecture’s Kinosaki Onsen hot springs.
Along the way, he shows us Japan’s bustling urban face in the form of Shinjuku, Kobe’s Port Tower, and the Shinkansen bullet train.
We also see the nation’s cultural heart in the form of backstreets lined with wooden buildings…
…and festival-goers and newlyweds in clothes that wouldn’t have looked that out-of-place a couple of hundred years ago.
Add in a few scenes of natural beauty…
…and of course, some mouth-watering meals…
▼ Don’t forget the ice-cold draft beer!
…and Ambuehl’s film adds up to a short but very sweet love letter to Japan.
▼ Not to mention his girlfriend/traveling companion
Perfectly encapsulating the multi-faceted lifestyle and potential experiences that enthrall visitors and residents alike, the video is titled Our Japan. You’d be hard-pressed to find truer or more heartfelt encouragement to go find yours, too.
Related: Marc Ambuehl website
Source: Kotaro 269
Images: Vimeo
Expat’s video says “Welcome to My Japan,” and you ought to take him up on the awesome invitation
Don’t have enough time to see Japan? You do now, with this amazing time-lapse video
Internet users can’t decide on Japan’s most beautiful village, and we can totally see why
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new limited-edition summer drinks…and a pastry for dunking
Lawson upsizes convenience store food for a limited time with two must-try Japanese meals
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
Family Mart’s new Gyoza Dog proves Japanese convenience store food hits different
New research reveals that the key to efficient memorization may be in exhaling
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Lawson Japan releases a crazy new product to remind us it’s not just famous for convenience store food
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Here’s why you should visit Japan’s best winter-night hot spring town on a summer afternoon【Pics】
This beautiful Starbucks just outside Tokyo has an aural connection to Japan’s samurai past【Pics】
Japan’s new ukiyo-e woodblock print passports are beautiful, now in travelers’ hands【Photos】
Japan’s beautiful TeamLab art group opening its first permanent immersive museum in Kyoto【Video】