The man who kneads rice at incredible speeds of three hits per second lets us into his world and tells us why he lives for making mochi.
culture (Page 38)
A lesser-known Yamagata Prefecture custom may just be what Obon needs to stave off invasive species of the holiday kingdom like Halloween, Christmas, and Easter.
Japan may be the only country in the world that insures golfers in the event they hit a hole-in-one during a round of golf.
Contribute to the cause and keep a centuries-old tradition alive on the streets by wearing 450 years of history on your feet.
Loan services could be set to disappear with organisations now running dangerously low on stock.
While men are understandably drawn to it, it’s women who are said to benefit the most from worshipping here.
There’s no better way to look after the roads than with built-in protection from one of Japan’s most revered deities.
Culturally cool tenugui let you show your love of Eva Units, kaiji, and your favorite Japanese prefecture all at once.
Seattle-based chain adapts to Kyoto style with summertime seats that offer a taste of traditional culture as you sip your coffee.
Now you can practice your master swordsmanship skills with chopsticks and a miniature ceramic opponent.
With rules regarding everything from tea to elevators, some new employees think it’s all too much.
Centuries-old earthenware plate gets a special assist from a kitty in becoming an ultra-rare, ultra-cute antique.
Tradition and community are great, but there’s one more thing this Nagano celebration gets a boost from.
Traditionally given as engagement gifts, this art form goes back for centuries, and even today is perfect for when a simple card just won’t do!
Plans to use traditional Japanese kintsugi techniques to make them look as good as new, or perhaps even better.
Follow-up interviews to the dramatic Marriage Market Takeover documentary shed light on the beliefs of China’s “Leftover Women” and their parents’ eroding difficulties in accepting them.

















Three ways going to see cherry blossoms alone is better than seeing them with other people
Totoro Fund line of beautiful artwork and apparel lets you help the real-world Totoro Forest
Studio Ghibli co-founder and anime director Isao Takahata passes away in Tokyo
Japan now has stricter requirements for foreigners applying for citizenship
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
The Almost All Lettuce Burger from Dom Dom Burger really lives up to its name
Japanese pasta dish ranked 24th worst food in the world, but does it deserve that dishonor?
Should you warm up your convenience store onigiri rice balls in the microwave?【Taste test】
Which Gundam is the favorite for fans in different countries? Gundam election announces results
This Nara workshop has been making deer crackers for more than 100 years and offers tours【Photos】
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years
Picturesque Tokyo park plays host to millions of flowers and soap bubbles this spring
Fatal stabbing at Pokémon Center in Tokyo reignites concern over rising stalking cases in Japan
Final Fantasy invites you to adventure in Fukushima with Fukushima Fantasy Chocobo fun[Video]
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)
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
The Almost All Lettuce Burger from Dom Dom Burger really lives up to its name
Japanese pasta dish ranked 24th worst food in the world, but does it deserve that dishonor?
Should you warm up your convenience store onigiri rice balls in the microwave?【Taste test】
Which Gundam is the favorite for fans in different countries? Gundam election announces results
This Nara workshop has been making deer crackers for more than 100 years and offers tours【Photos】
Five Okinawan foods that have changed our reporter’s view on local cuisine forever
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Coca-Cola’s new Coke ON subscription service makes Japanese vending machines more fun to use
Hilarious Japanese commercial shows what happens when you beat the company president
Time to ham it up at this chain of Japanese wine bars with all-you-can-eat prosciutto for 500 yen
Solo cherry blossom viewing — 30 percent of young men in survey plan to see sakura alone【Survey】
Tokyo Skytree to light up in Pokémon colors for summer-long art event!
Japan’s new “painful sadness” snacks are a deliciously mysterious linguistics lesson【Taste test】
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years