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2015 has been a good year for lovers of Japanese art in Boston. The city’s phenomenal Museum of Fine Arts has hosted not just one, but three special exhibitions of Japanese art so far this year, along with its newly restored Japanese garden outside. The most hyped of all of these is an exhibition dedicated solely to Katsushika Hokusai, one of the most important ukiyo-e painters and printmakers of the Edo period who’s best known as the creator of The Great Wave off Kanagawa.
Besides the Hokusai collection, the museum is also hosting a particularly powerful exhibit displaying the work of 17 photographers in the wake of the 2011 Tohoku triple disasters, along with a lighthearted exhibit showcasing prints of some whimsical Japanese toys and games. As all three of the exhibitions are preparing to wind down within the next few weeks after hosting thousands of visitors over the past months, we thought we’d take a moment to share some of their highlights with you!


7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
Japanese video 18-Year-Old Grandpa has important, moving message behind its silly-sounding title
Small Totoro Little Room Lamp is back, still the most adorable Ghibli nightlight ever【Photos】
Super Crazy Kun wins seat in Toda City Council election
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
Real-life Spirited Away train line found in Japan?
New line of Ranma 1/2 lifestyle and fashion anime goods is here to help fans feel complete【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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
Small Totoro Little Room Lamp is back, still the most adorable Ghibli nightlight ever【Photos】
Super Crazy Kun wins seat in Toda City Council election
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
Real-life Spirited Away train line found in Japan?
New line of Ranma 1/2 lifestyle and fashion anime goods is here to help fans feel complete【Pics】
Is the new Shinkansen Train Desk ticket worth it?
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Possibly Japan’s most convenient apartment building, thanks to train station on its first floor
The best place to eat Japanese breakfast for US$2: Cheap food hack for locals and tourists
Merry Christmas from SoraNews24!
Popular Osaka all-you-can-eat yakiniku chain Yakiniku Rikimaru opens its first location in Tokyo
We visit a hidden store on the Imperial Palace grounds offering items you can’t find anywhere else