Ebisu

Studio Ghibli releases a Totoro daruma and beckoning Catbus in Japan for New Year

The sold-out collection every Ghibli fan wants to get their hands on.

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Why is there a fish on this Shake Shack Japan T-shirt?

The linguistic and cultural reasons behind the design of one of our burger-loving reporter’s favorite pieces of clothing.

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The Times They are a-Changin’: Our reporter reflects on the changing landscape of Ebisu

Mariko shares a glimpse into what’s different in one Tokyo neighborhood compared to her memories from 20 years ago.

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Yokohama ranks as most desirable city for living in Kanto for the second year in a row

What makes Japan’s second largest city beat out popular spots in Tokyo?

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Beautiful ukiyo-e woodblock print artwork appears on three of Japan’s premium beer brands

The works of Hokusai and others, admired for more than a century, lend a touch of class to your appreciation of a cold one.

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Yoshinoya opens fanciest restaurant yet! Almost as luxurious as a hospital cafeteria

The famous beef bowl chain is taking a swanky step outside the box with bold offerings including electricity, coffee, and a modicum of privacy.

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Fish on new Yebisu “happy” beer cans changes colour when chilled

In Japan, even beer cans have cute details.

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Salon ZOOM in Tokyo offers crossdressing transformations for both men and women

Perhaps you’re getting ready to cosplay as your favorite opposite-gendered character or you’re on your way to one of the dedicated crossdressing bars in Tokyo or Osaka. Maybe you just want to experience what it feels like to dress as a member of the opposite sex. Whatever your reasons for wanting to make a few cosmetic changes, there’s a beauty salon in Tokyo that would be more than happy to help you out, and promises to give you the full cross-dressing treatment you require.

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Giant maguro donated to shrine of fishing-god Ebisu

The start of a new year means it’s time for hatsumōde, the year’s first visit to a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple. You pray for good luck in the new year, throw some spare yen into the saisenbako (big offering box), get some omamori (good luck charms), and hope that the omikuji (fortune) you get is dai-kichi (great luck) and not dai-kyō (you’re screwed).

While most people are satisfied donating a few yen coins in the donation box when they visit their shrine, the Nishinomiya shrine in Hyogo Prefecture does things a little differently. They want to make sure the gods hear them loud and clear, so they lug a massive frozen maguro onto the donation box and leave it there for three days.

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