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.




















Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Japan’s new difficult-to-drink-from beer glass protects your liver, but it’s a brutal experience
Panties to wear on your head as hair accessories on offer from Japanese fashion brand【Photos】
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Four Shinto shrines to pray for love at in Japan to start the New Year
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
Tokyo fish market breaks New Year auction record as single fish sells for over 5 million yen【Vid】
4chan creator hands reins over to 2channel’s Hiroyuki Nishimura
World’s smallest “hopping mouse” could fit into your pocket’s pocket
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
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 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
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
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
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】
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
Four Shinto shrines to pray for love at in Japan to start the New Year
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
Tokyo fish market breaks New Year auction record as single fish sells for over 5 million yen【Vid】
4chan creator hands reins over to 2channel’s Hiroyuki Nishimura
World’s smallest “hopping mouse” could fit into your pocket’s pocket
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
Majority of Japanese mayors say foreign residents are essential but most see good and bad effects
Studio Ghibli releases new anime calendars for 2026 with heartwarming fan service
Should you dip your cake in sake? One Japanese brewer says no, but actually yes【 Taste test】
Village Vanguard’s most expensive Black Lucky Bag sets an ominous tone for 2026
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer