When Australian musician Tal Wilkenfeld randomly asked a fellow coffee shop patron for translation help, we don’t think this was quite what she was expecting.
At one time, nearly all of the 270 households in the village of Shawo would have been engaged in woodcraft, but today just six elderly men know the old techniques. Luckily, a younger generation is taking steps to ensure that the craft does not die out.
Students who add and multiply with the numbers in the ‘wrong’ order are getting their answers marked as incorrect? Japanese net users weigh in.
Sailor Moon fans, are you looking for the perfect item to commemorate the series’ 20th anniversary? This beautiful watch might be just that—but you’d better hurry because stocks are limited!
When Japanese Twitter user @nasuiro posted this picture of a blob of hand cream last week, he probably had no idea that it would end up being retweeted over 41,000 times…
The machines are available at arcades and amusement centers in the “purikura” section and offer over 1,500 designs.
Aisa Mijeno, a young Filipino engineer and environmental advocate, has conceptualized a product that is not only environmentally friendly, but will provide basic lighting to the less-privileged: a lamp that runs on salt water!
A ton of anime characters wear some sort of school or military uniform, but that doesn’t mean the shows’ art is always consistent.
While the French still produce and consume the most wine per capita, Japan is continuing to grow as one of the biggest wine markets in the world — and they’re not afraid to show their passion for the beverage.
Because why stop at 40 pieces when you could order 48, or just keep going into quadruple digits to really support your favorite Japanese idol singer?
Snacks don’t get much more decadent than fried ice cream, but it can be intimidating to make for inexperienced fryers. Luckily we found that using Japanese ice cream snacks coated in gelatinous rice known as mochi instead really simplified things without sacrificing any of the taste.
With all the pretty lights, there are a ton of photo opportunities during the holidays. Give your pictures a unique look with this simple technique!
Have you ever wanted to make sushi that looks just like a swimming fish? This video shows how to make the stunning dish in your very own kitchen!
A sumo wrestler has drawn ire after using the adorably named nekodamashi, or “deceiving cat,” technique to win a match.
What would be the ultimate luxury in personal service for a highborn aristocrat? Someone to draw your bath? Peel your grapes? Fan you with palm fronds? How about a servant whose job it is to take the blame for your farts.
Every time I visit my home country and talk about my life in Japan, one thing becomes clear to me: Japan remains incredibly misunderstood overseas. With this in mind, today we’ll be discussing three stereotypes of Japan: the country’s apparent disdain for those who stand out from the crowd, the notion that Japan is a strict society, and that the idea of ‘losing face’ is a quintessentially Asian concept.
Remember the awesome, super-expensive R2-D2™ Moving Refrigerator we reported on last month? Well, we recently went to see an actual model on display!
Black and white photos of the Philippines from as far back as the late 1800s look shockingly modern with just a splash of color.




















The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Beard Papa goes beyond just matcha with its new premium green tea cream puffs
Uniqlo’s high-end sunglasses are a fashion minefield for anyone who isn’t Mr. Sato
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Eating cheap sushi in a narrow building in Tokyo is an adventure for bold diners
Hayao Miyazaki’s Whisper of the Heart concept art revealed in new Ghibli illustration book
Is Mister Donut’s all-you-can-eat Donut Buffet still worth it?
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Dorayaki from 89-year-old Japanese confectionery shop is one of the best sweets hidden in Tokyo
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Sega opening 65th anniversary store in downtotn Tokyo with deep-cut game merch
Viral tweet suggests Japanese convenience store ripping off customers with donuts, so we investigate
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]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
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 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】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Eating cheap sushi in a narrow building in Tokyo is an adventure for bold diners
Hayao Miyazaki’s Whisper of the Heart concept art revealed in new Ghibli illustration book
Is Mister Donut’s all-you-can-eat Donut Buffet still worth it?
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Police in Osaka file charges against resident for serial pigeon/crow feeding
Seaweed bread is one of the most unusual baked goods in all of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
49-year-old Japanese shut-in spends weeks living with corpse of mother who died at home
Sega opening 65th anniversary store in downtotn Tokyo with deep-cut game merch
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Viral tweet suggests Japanese convenience store ripping off customers with donuts, so we investigate
Shogun Cultural Experiences merges a walking tour, sweets, and the music of traditional Japan