Culture (Page 8)
Vacationing can be an expensive endeavor, so save a bit of yen by visiting these fantastic free locations!
It’s said that men and women see the world differently, so sometimes they draw it differently too.
The Japanese are known for being incredibly efficient, so you’d expect them to also have the most efficient gizmos. Today, we’re looking at eight Japanese gadgets that we’ve become so dependent on, we can’t live without them!
The Tenth International Manga Award submission period is open now. Gold and Silver Award winners will get a chance to visit Japan!
Keepin’ it neat and tidy…
The iconic split-toed tabi boot steps out of the ninja scene and into the world of sneakers in this roundup of awesome footwear designed for the street.
Japanese toilets continue to lead the way with a new range of beautifully decorative models.
Traditionally given as engagement gifts, this art form goes back for centuries, and even today is perfect for when a simple card just won’t do!
The Setouchi Triennale Art Festival takes place every three years on the art islands of Japan’s Seto Inland Sea–and this year is a festival year! Let’s check it out!
We visited a unique cafe in Omotesando that lets you whip up your own cup of matcha green tea—and have sweet cream-filled bread to go with it, too!
Plans to use traditional Japanese kintsugi techniques to make them look as good as new, or perhaps even better.

















Starbucks Japan releases first-ever gacha capsule toys, featuring iconic menu items as plush coffee charms
Starbucks Japan unveils new coffee drinks… for people who don’t drink coffee
Sanrio’s newest item looks like dog butt, exactly like it’s supposed to [Photos]
Katana of one of Japan’s most famous swordsmen goes on display to help Kumamoto earthquake victims
Kumamoto Castle left illuminated all night long as symbol of hope for earthquake victims
Kyoto receives more foreign tourists than ever before, but fewer visitors say they’ll return
Starbucks Japan unveils exclusive new Frappuccinos limited to three regional areas
Foreign tourists in Japan eat far more rice than previously thought, according to new data
JR releases prediction of peak Shinkansen crowdedness for Japan’s Obon travel season
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Pokémon Card Stores requiring facial recognition scans for entry in Japan in latest anti-scalper move
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Kyoto receives more foreign tourists than ever before, but fewer visitors say they’ll return
Starbucks Japan unveils exclusive new Frappuccinos limited to three regional areas
Foreign tourists in Japan eat far more rice than previously thought, according to new data
JR releases prediction of peak Shinkansen crowdedness for Japan’s Obon travel season
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Official Final Fantasy beers are going on sale in Tokyo this month, giant Aetheryte appearing too
Maximum entry fee for sento public baths in Tokyo increases slightly for adults next month
Life-size Legendary Pokémon Mega Rayquaza digitally greeting travelers at Tokyo train station [Vid]
Tokyo Pokémon Center announces reopening after months-long closure following stabbing death
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Okayama man arrested for catching butterflies in central Japan
Japan has a maid hotel you can stay in, and it’s now taking reservation applications
McDonald’s Japan goes viral for Samurai Mac burger hack
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines