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

Japan’s caramel gacha machines offer sweet thrills, but do they deliver?

Find out if we hit the jackpot or collect candy-coated chaos.

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The Japan Poop Society is making movements to protect people’s health

Japan’s unko experts prove that poop goes beyond potty humor—it might just save your life.

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Toy or extreme sport? Shop in Hokkaido changes our image of kendama

The journey of kendama, from a childhood toy to an extreme sport, is being celebrated at this small shop in Japan’s north.

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Grill your own treats at Miyagi’s Japanese tea and dessert store

Savor your freshly grilled dango, dunked in matcha cream, or slather some mochi with zunda at this Miyagi tea shop.

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Chill out with an ice-blue drink and noodles from Mount Fuji at this Tokyo junkissa

Venture into Shinbashi, where an old-school cafe awaits to captivate your taste buds and provide an unforgettable culinary experience.

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Should DJs be the next big thing in Japanese preschools? This principal seems to think so

Traditional education is getting a remix, and preschoolers are ready to rave.

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Japanese communities giving their skylines a spring clean and saying goodbye to power lines

The quest to let Japan’s historical sites shine bright continues on.

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Our four must-visit saunas in Japan for total relaxation

Is the daily grind getting too much? Don’t sweat it—or rather do! These four saunas will revitalize your weary mind and body.

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Stay steps away from Kanazawa’s bustling indoor market at this cozy capsule hotel

This budget-friendly capsule hotel puts you right in the heart of Kanazawa.

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Japan’s robot dinosaur population continues to grow with new addition at Fukui Station

Fukui doesn’t just have dinosaurs… but hey, come look at this cool dinosaur!
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The delicious flavors of Smell, an old-school junkissa coffee shop in downtown Tokyo

Sip the flavors of nostalgia in this Showa-era cafe that’s also a way to beat the lines at one of Tokyo’s most popular bakeries.

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Japanese karaoke chain brings singing in the bathroom to a whole new level

Everyone needs to know how amazing you are when you sing in the shower!

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Make miniatures of your miniatures with this kit from Mozu

Creating the perfect Japanese apartment for the Borrowers in your life.

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Japanese convenience store plans to increase shoppers’ phone data capacity just for visiting

Lawson looks to kick-start convenience store of the future with a new phone service.

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Comparing Japanese sweet potato ice creams that unite both summer and fall in one cup【Taste test】

Beating the heat with the flavor of autumn.

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Using red sushi rice makes a real difference, if it’s paired with the right fish【Taste test】

Conveyor belt sushi chains Sushiro and Misaki spontaneously create an akashari season with unexpected results.

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Woman versus bed bug: A battle to the death

What lengths would you go to when a bed bug decides to drop by?

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Kyoto’s famous Chinese dish karashi soba can now be found in Lawson

Restaurant quality food from a convenience store.

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