creative
Creative YouTuber also makes Pokémon that actually charge phones, act as speakers, and more.
Japanese teen photographer wows the world with a reflection made from neither water nor a mirror.
Nothing like a good pair of socks to remind us that some people are blessed with artistic talent and others, well, aren’t.
Even if the world isn’t your oyster, you can make your world be about oysters with these new eye-catching goods.
Cat meets toast! Read more to learn all about this simple, yet creative internet craze that’s sweeping Japan.
A Japanese Twitter user has been wearing some of the same socks for over 20 years, opting to fix them up with cute, economical patches rather than throwing them out!
Find your purr-fect creativity outlet over the holidays and give these eight kitty-compatible DIY projects a try.
Autumn is the season of school cultural festivals (bunkasai) in Japan. Students pour hours and hours of their time into creating the best possible attractions, food stands, and performances and proudly display these efforts of love for the surrounding community to enjoy.
There must be something in the water because, starting with the teacups ride we introduced last month, Japanese students seem to be showing some unprecedented creativity this year. Just take this musical arcade game that was built entirely by high schoolers, and which many stunned guests have proclaimed to be “good enough to be in a real game center.”
Most people who have a fondness for Japan have encountered origami at one point or another. It’s certainly one of the most famous of the Japanese paper arts and the origami crane carries so much more meaning than a simple piece of paper.
Another Japanese art that utilizes the complexities of paper is kirie, or paper cutting art. All it takes is a craft knife, a little dedication and free time and you can turn a black piece of paper into a stand-out work of art. Looking for a new hobby this winter vacation? Look no further than kirie!
Once you finally finish your years of study in high school and get into a good university, it’s party time! Or…do nothing time. Some people occupy their new-found free time with Netflix queues, watching the latest and greatest television shows and movies. Others take the opportunity to let their creative juices flow and make some really awesome things. One college senior in China decided that just watching super heroes on a screen was not enough, he figured he could become those heroes instead. How awesome would it be to punch the great evil known as homework when you look like Captain America?
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then how much is a pixel worth? We guess that really depends on how many pixels are in a piece of art. The following works by @1041uuu certainly capture more than your ordinary dots of color. You are going to wish your life was as fantastic as these nostalgic, creative and inspired GIFs capturing everyday life in Japan.
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Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Fatal stabbing at Pokémon Center in Tokyo reignites concern over rising stalking cases in Japan
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese kindness restores our faith in humanity after a highway bus accident in Tokyo
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Final Fantasy invites you to adventure in Fukushima with Fukushima Fantasy Chocobo fun[Video]
We asked our Japanese team of writers how they deal with seasonal allergies in Japan
We taste makunouchi bento at four Japanese convenience store chains【Taste comparison】
Weekly
- Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country- Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
- Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Monthly
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo- Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino- Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season- 7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Yearly
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
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Japanese kindness restores our faith in humanity after a highway bus accident in Tokyo
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Final Fantasy invites you to adventure in Fukushima with Fukushima Fantasy Chocobo fun[Video]
We asked our Japanese team of writers how they deal with seasonal allergies in Japan
We taste makunouchi bento at four Japanese convenience store chains【Taste comparison】
Akiba Dental Clinic: The Akihabara dentist where a moe maid in cosplay cleans your teeth
Japan’s budget chain restaurant Saizeriya might just be the perfect first date location
Public restrooms in Osaka to get in-stall video screens with ads
American English teacher in Japan takes a moment to remind student that anime is not real
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Why does Japanese writing need three different sets of characters? (Part 1)
Studio Ghibli releases Japanese-style My Neighbour Totoro bags and pouches in Japan
Google made a free-to-play ninja cat RPG to celebrate the Tokyo Olympics, and it’s awesome!
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