controversial
Model daughter of former SMAP member gets caught up in controversy involving shoes and kimono.
Seductive poses criticised for being disrespectful to Japanese culture.
Japanese net users upset over the power company’s use of a slang term commonly found in anime.
The Internet can’t decide whether this is insanely cute or a prime example of terrible parenting.
Geisha, samurai, manga. Those are the three themes that Peruvian photographer Mario Testino used in his recent photoshoot with Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr for the special 15th anniversary November issue of Vogue Japan. While Kerr is no stranger to Japanese television commercials (need laundry detergent, anyone?), her recent photos have been stirring up controversy due to the ‘vaguely ethnic-looking style’ of the fashion used in the shoot.
Take a look at the photos and then decide for yourself what’s going on here–is it cultural appropriation, or cultural appreciation?












More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Mr. Sato eats banana flower, still isn’t sure what it tastes like, loves it anyway【SoraKitchen】
New bright blue salad dressing now available, promises Instagram-worthy restaurant dishes
Ramen lovers continue to eat noodles as restaurant goes up in flames around them【Video】
Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take “radio calisthenics” to an interesting new level
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
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
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
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
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
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Mr. Sato eats banana flower, still isn’t sure what it tastes like, loves it anyway【SoraKitchen】
New bright blue salad dressing now available, promises Instagram-worthy restaurant dishes
Ramen lovers continue to eat noodles as restaurant goes up in flames around them【Video】
Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take “radio calisthenics” to an interesting new level
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Flex and pose your way to fitness with the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure exercise program!【Video】
Illustrations show how Japanese makeup trends changed in the last 25 years, and what’s coming next
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
We take a ride on Seibu Railway’s futuristic luxury liner: the Limited Express Laview
TRANSFORM! And write while you’re at it, too — with these cool shape-shifting Transformers pens!
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Kyoto’s most beautiful parfait cafes add sakura sweets for spring
Daughter of Osamu Tezuka, God of Manga, discovers his stash of hand-drawn sexy mouse artwork