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 39)
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.

















Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Pokémon comes to McDonald’s Japan for new Happy Meals toys, brings every generation’s starters
Starbucks Japan to open Shinkansen platform stores at Kyoto and Nagoya stations
Akita Kanto Festival, one of Japan’s most spectacular summer festivals, gets an anime twist this year
Aichi city throws year-long 20th birthday bash for giant beckoning cat statue, Hello Kitty invited
Japan’s largest online flea market reminds users that selling used school swimsuits is prohibited
Final Fantasy plushie shoulder bags are fuzzy and functional [Photos]
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Toyota Museum’s international retro vehicle parade returns to Aichi this autumn
U.S. government reportedly planning to close Nagoya consulate
Tokyo’s newest viral dessert is like a Japanese parfait inside a bread bun [Taste test]
Japanese vending machine sells freshly squeezed lemon juice with a futuristic light show
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever gacha capsule toys, featuring iconic menu items as plush coffee charms
7-Eleven Japan adds new chocolate fruit gummies to its sweets range, but are they worth the hype?
7-Eleven Japan now offering baked-in-store pizza by the slice with two very different topping sets
Studio Ghibli’s No Face twirls to sound of Spirited Away’s theme song in beautiful accessory box
Starbucks Japan opens new store inside historic seaside quarantine station near Tokyo
Live-action Princess Mononoke is coming to streaming as a live event, previews look amazing [Video]
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan’s largest online flea market reminds users that selling used school swimsuits is prohibited
Final Fantasy plushie shoulder bags are fuzzy and functional [Photos]
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Toyota Museum’s international retro vehicle parade returns to Aichi this autumn
U.S. government reportedly planning to close Nagoya consulate
Yoshinoya gets into fancy fish, but is the cheap beef king reaching too far? [Taste test]
7-Eleven Japan rethinks convenience store sandwiches with a wild new choc-mint variety
Resident Evil’s terrifying Licker becomes a bag in Japan that wants to feed you
Tokyo’s Haneda Airport airlines announce stricter luggage check-in deadline for domestic flights
Kochia calling: Right now is a great off-season season to visit this beautiful Japanese park
Studio Ghibli’s No Face twirls to sound of Spirited Away’s theme song in beautiful accessory box
Coco’s Japan is very confident in their chilled ramen, but should they be? [Taste test]
Japanese vending machine sells freshly squeezed lemon juice with a futuristic light show
Is covering your entire upper body with cooling strips enough to fend off Japan’s summer heat?