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Kohei Matsuno is no ordinary barista. What started as his way of sprucing up an ordinary cup of complimentary coffee for patrons at his part-time job has blossomed into a form of creative expression that has people around the world smiling. Known as “Mattsun” by his Internet followers, Mr. Matsuno brings life and whimsy to an otherwise ordinary cup of joe. Come with us now for a sneak peek at the work that goes into some of Japan’s most beautiful latte art.
Romi Mizukami, a fashion designer for popular Japanese clothing brand BEAMS, is without a doubt one of Japan’s biggest Hello Kitty fans, or rather “Kittylers.” Her home is a veritable shrine to the little kitty that could, with blacks, whites, and reds as far as the eye can see, and for the past few years she has slowly incorporated the uniquely kawaii Hello Kitty style into not just her design work but her very own wardrobe.
Come on in and meet the real-life Kitty-chan!
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Japan’s job-quitting service claims bosses contact it to try to make their employees quit
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Nintendo and Lego team up for an awesomely accurate the Lego Game Boy kit【Photos】
15 rude things not to do on trains in Japan【Survey】
“25 Potential Culture Shocks from around the World” infographic offers tidbits of travel wisdom
Man arrested in rural Japan on charges of leaving obscene DVDs in stores as gifts for “healthy men”
120-year-old sweets store keeps Japan’s maritozzo boom alive with a massive specimen
Mist descends upon Japan’s “Killing Stone” after ceremony to appease nine-tailed fox spirit
Daiso opens massive new 25,392-square foot Tokyo flagship store with its two sub-brands included
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experienceIs China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right nowThree beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Japan’s suicides fall to lowest recorded number ever, but one demographic hits all-time high
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminatingYokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in TokyoStarbucks 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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
“25 Potential Culture Shocks from around the World” infographic offers tidbits of travel wisdom
Man arrested in rural Japan on charges of leaving obscene DVDs in stores as gifts for “healthy men”
120-year-old sweets store keeps Japan’s maritozzo boom alive with a massive specimen
Mist descends upon Japan’s “Killing Stone” after ceremony to appease nine-tailed fox spirit
Daiso opens massive new 25,392-square foot Tokyo flagship store with its two sub-brands included
Your cat or dog can be King of the Pirates with One Piece anime cosplay outfits for pets【Photos】
This gigantic judo dojo-sized hotel room will make you feel like royalty, but it’s disappearing soon
“Papakatsu”: More and more girls in Japan are turning to sugar daddies to wine and dine them
McDonald’s Japan partners with anime English teacher, but did they commit a cultural error?[Video]
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart