craftsmanship
“An Exploration of Monozukuri with Keanu Reeves” takes us on a fascinating deep dive into Japanese craftsmanship, with Roman Coppola and the Hollywood star who was “staggered” when he first tasted Hibiki.
The centuries-old company is using a sensual ad campaign to draw attention to their innovative new range.
We’ve showcased a number of calming videos featuring traditional craftsmen at work, but this clip has the added bonus of suspense.
Don’t you hate it when you get ready to do some cooking and Paul Hogan comes out of nowhere ridiculing your cookware with taunts of “Ya call that a knife?”
Me too.
That’s why next time I’ll be ready with my new Nickel Damascus Chef’s Knife forged by famous Echizen blacksmith Takeshi Saji using techniques that span the globe. Now that’s what I call a knife!
Isn’t it just a bummer when you get a tear or hole in one of your precious clothes? It’s terribly sad when you have to say good-bye to your favorite piece of clothing because of that small hole … or do you really have to?
What if the hole could be almost magically repaired? Well, one Japanese craftsman who was featured in a Korean television program seems to be able to do exactly that, and his mending technique is amazing — just take a look and see if you can tell where the material was repaired!
Despite Japan’s modern image as a country obsessed with the latest technologic advances and all things robotic, age-old Japanese methods and traditions are still highly valued, such as carpenters who use traditional joint-making techniques to fasten together pieces of wood without nails or screws. A video demonstrating this unique part of traditional Japanese carpentry has been making the rounds on the Internet lately with netizens amazed, and oddly mesmerized, by the almost hypnotic way these carpenters perfectly connect enormous pieces of wood.
From preschool all the way to university, Japan has a very proud tradition of schools festivals. Every year, the students and teachers work together to transform their school into an array of art, entertainment and food their goal to make the school as fun as possible for everyone who attends. High schools and colleges especially go the extra mile to show that their school is number one by having various cafes, haunted houses, cosplay photography, and performances.
But there’s an event idea that has gone viral because of the amazing efforts of one high school: a manually operated tea cup ride.

















Crazy-cheap Tokyo lunch: All-you-can-eat curry rice for 220 yen (US$1.40)!
Is Sapporio’s Snow Festival awesome enough to be worth visiting even if you hate the snow? [Pics]
Japan has trams that say “sorry” while they ride around town…but why?
Japan’s bathhouse-themed bar replaces hot water with unlimited alcohol
Poop is in full bloom at the Unko Museums for cherry blossom season
Legendary pie cafe Anna Miller’s finally returns to Tokyo after three-year absence
Cute coffins now available at Tokyo’s coffin relaxation salon[Photos]
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Fives places around Japan to appreciate the plum blossoms this season
Japanese potato chip Rubik’s Cubes coming soon
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Now is the time to visit one of Tokyo’s best off-the-beaten-path plum blossom gardens
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Can you eat lunch in Tokyo for less than 500 yen?
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
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
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
Legendary pie cafe Anna Miller’s finally returns to Tokyo after three-year absence
Cute coffins now available at Tokyo’s coffin relaxation salon[Photos]
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Fives places around Japan to appreciate the plum blossoms this season
Japanese potato chip Rubik’s Cubes coming soon
Here are Japan’s favorite ice creams from last month! Vanilla wins by a mile…
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Poo sakura are in full bloom at Unko Museum’s cherry blossom festival in Tokyo
Finally Put an End to Mobile Phones Slipping Out Of Your Shirt Pocket with K-Pocke
7-Eleven’s edible cat paw proves Japanese convenience store sweets are on a whole other level
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Mr. Sato gets his bush trimmed at a fancy Tokyo hair salon【Photos】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Smallest hotel room in Tokyo? This cheap stay for two will turn friends into lovers