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!


Japanese man who didn’t know how banks work defrauded out of 21 million yen
Tokyo station platform to transform into sake bar with hot drinks, hot oden, and hot kotatsu
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Majority of Japanese men say they feel some discomfort seeing female janitors in men’s restrooms
How to get your money’s worth at an all-you-can-eat crepe challenge in Japan
Record number of foreign children in Japan need help understanding Japanese in school
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Shimane has a secret hot spring town that feels like stepping into an old Japanese film
Viral 3D ice creams land in Japan… but are they worth the hype?
Gundam and Reebok team up for new GQuuuuuuX Pumps【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
This hot springs town in Japan sets fire across a mountain every winter in a beautiful tradition
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Studio Ghibli mixes with sporty street styles of New Era to put No Face on your head in cap series
Japanese woman sues man for 1.5 million yen for violating her “right to chastity”
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
A guide to visiting Sagamiko Illumination, one of the three biggest light-ups in Kanto
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
Record number of foreign children in Japan need help understanding Japanese in school
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Shimane has a secret hot spring town that feels like stepping into an old Japanese film
Viral 3D ice creams land in Japan… but are they worth the hype?
Gundam and Reebok team up for new GQuuuuuuX Pumps【Photos】
Real-world Koraidon and Miraidon Pokémon are ready for their close-ups【Photos】
Let’s visit a German castle… in Okinawa!
Small Hokkaido bookshop’s unique service is getting business from all over Japan
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
How to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto on the overnight bus and not lose your sanity
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid