Elliot Hale

From being introduced to the works of Rumiko Takahashi as a teenager in the UK, Elliot found himself falling ever deeper into the clutches of Japanese popular culture. It was not until he first arrived in Japan that he struggled free from its grasp and branched out into the wider aspects of its culture. From classical literature to baring it all in hot springs, he has become enamored with Japan as a whole. After working as a teacher in various schools, he has now decided to do his part for society and has thus stepped forth onto the path of sharing Japanese culture with the masses. He spends his time traveling through mountains and valleys, attempting photography, or cosying up at home with his books and board games.

Posted by Elliot Hale

Eevee returns to Japan’s famous Tokyo Banana, bundled with a cute tote bag

The beloved Tokyo souvenir re-introduces chocolate sponge Eevee cakes, along with a collectible keepsake for fans.

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The fish in rural Fukui that rivals Japan’s most auspicious sea bream

This Obama delicacy impresses with its sashimi-like flavor, which is almost unthinkable for a preserved food.

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Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season

Japan’s tallest tower transforms into a cherry blossom-viewing spot, complete with pink projections and themed drinks.

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Burning through cash just to throw things away tops list of headaches when moving house in Japan

Spring relocations in Japan can drain your budget faster than expected, and garbage disposal fees are the biggest surprise.

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Japan’s bathhouse-themed bar replaces hot water with unlimited alcohol

Styled like a traditional sento, this izakaya chain lines its walls with 13 working faucets that let you pour your own drink.

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Asakusa’s Yoi no Yoi bar crawl is one of Tokyo’s best local nights out

Just 1,000 yen per stop lets you drink, eat, and mingle with friendly strangers through this historic neighborhood.

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Japan has omurice chocolate, and the weirdest thing isn’t how it tastes

What sounds like a crime against food, turned out to be a cute and delicious surprise.

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A robot joins the team at a fast-food restaurant, but in an unlikely city in northern Japan

OriHime arrives at a local Mos Burger to test the future of inclusive work.

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Japan has been tossing message-bearing coconuts into the ocean since the 1980s

Only a tiny fraction of them ever get found, but that’s just part of the charm.

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Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience

From ghostly processions to playful monsters, this exhibition shows off the charm of Japan’s folklore with modern visual technology.

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Japanese young women reveal their top dealbreakers in a man【Survey】

If you don’t pass this one simple check, you won’t even get past the starting line.

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These are Tokyo train lines people most want to live along【Survey】

In the train-heavy Tokyo area, convenience is what matters most to prospective residents.

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Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only

Making snow sports fun and accessible to kids, with a little spark of cuteness.

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Immersive ukiyoe exhibition in Osaka adds some scented flair

Classic woodblock prints are animated and paired with perfume for a multi-sensory art experience.

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We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure

Several bumps in the road, a few glasses of beer, and a black omurice later, we couldn’t be more satisfied with our new discoveries.

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Japan’s Valentine’s Day gets extra cute with the return of KitKat Heartful Bear【Photos】

This year, KitKat is bringing everyday goods like pouches, tumblers, and towels to make the holiday feel much more adorable.

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Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal

Starting in his 40s and still going strong, Mr. Sato offers realistic tips for anyone trying to shift some extra weight this year.

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This quiet forest cafe in Japan lets you read all day in the house of a famous author

Novelist Osamu Dazai’s relocated house now invites visitors in to drink coffee, and disappear into books.

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Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself

This year’s lucky bag is all about everyday usefulness.

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We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers

Can it make both your stomach and wallet happy?

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