Cultural crafts, performing arts and regional flavors combine in a tribute to one of the most important periods in Japanese history.
calligraphy
Shuji demonstrations teach viewers how to write names of hit anime series, popular kanji.
Paired with a mini goshuincho, this is a small-size, small-price way to experience the inner calm of traditional Japanese arts.
Just water and a brush is all you need to practice Japanese calligraphy with these high-tech school supplies!
What better way to have a calligraphy master show off their skills than by writing “RocketNews24?”
Say hello to Shuetsu Sato, the man whose handcrafted packing-tape masterpieces guide millions every day.
Fans of Pixar are sure to be eagerly waiting the release of the studio’s newest movie, Inside Out (or Inside Head as it’s being called in Japan). The film may have caused a slight stir on the Japanese Internet for having a theme that’s noticeably similar to that of the Japanese manga and movie Poison Berry in My Brain (Nonai Poison Berry), but Pixar’s new offering is bound to draw huge crowds when it comes out on June 19 in the U.S. and July 18 in Japan.
And one thing the movie certainly seems to have going for it in Japan is cool poster artwork. Check out these Japanese posters for Inside Out which feature beautiful kanji calligraphy representing each of the emotions that appear in the movie!
‘Omotenashi’, the spirit of Japanese hospitality, became something of a buzzword at home and abroad when Christel Takigawa used the phrase in her speech to the International Olympic Committee in 2013.
And it’s in this spirit that Tokyo’s Narita airport plans to extend an especially warm welcome to international visitors this year, as it renews its Omotenashi Program of special offers and cultural events for transferring passengers.
As a man whose handwriting could be defined as infantile at best, I can’t help but admire those who can wield a fountain pen like a paintbrush. Thanks to the bizarre way in which I hold my pen (I’m right-handed but people often ask if I’m a lefty purely because my grip is so odd), writing with any pen whose ink is wetter than a cheap ballpoint’s results in my hand turning blue and an enormous horizontal smear of ink across the page as if the letters were warping through time.
After seeing this short video from Japanese pen makers Namiki, though, I’m genuinely tempted to sit down and practice writing my ABCs all over again if it means that I can correct my awkward grip and learn to write as beautifully as this…













Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Japanese shiitake mushroom snacks from Don Quijote, created for people who don’t like mushrooms
Kanna Hashimoto’s rise to fame continues with major commercial appearance
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Japanese department store rooftop is a secret oasis where you can escape the crowds in Tokyo
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【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
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
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
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
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Japanese shiitake mushroom snacks from Don Quijote, created for people who don’t like mushrooms
Kanna Hashimoto’s rise to fame continues with major commercial appearance
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Japanese department store rooftop is a secret oasis where you can escape the crowds in Tokyo
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
The Purple Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard is an extra-large waste of money
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
U.S.A. now the fastest-growing market for Japan’s high-tech toilets, now selling quicker than ever
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
We buy a pair of glasses from up and coming idol Kanna Hashimoto
Starbucks Japan releases new popcorn Frappuccino at one special location
Duolingo to open first pop-up store Duomart in Japan for a very limited time next month