gardening
Magical character from Howl’s Moving Castle makes the leap from the anime world and into our hearts and homes.
Give someone a bag of chips and they can eat for a minute, but teach them to bag of chips….
Specially cultivated to bloom after they arrive at your home, these trees will provide sakura memories for years to come.
People in Japan are swooning after discovering the many talents of this foreign-born gardener who gave up his original nationality to become Japanese.
Adorable houseplant is a relative of the hot dog cactus.
With amazing outdoor eating spaces set on moss-covered grounds in the middle of the woods, this is a secret haven for lovers of nature and Studio Ghibli.
Once its life as a pencil is over, this innovative piece of stationery will colour your garden by blooming into a variety of edible plants.
So a friend and I have a debate about what happens at the end of the Studio Ghibli anime movie Castle in the Sky Laputa. As the credits roll, the floating island is seen drifting into space, which I, as is my simple-minded nature, take literally. On the other hand, my friend argues that the visuals are at least partly metaphoric, and that the mysterious landmass didn’t really escape Earth’s orbit (he also contends that my proposed Laputa/Space Dandy crossover/sequel is too silly to ever get made).
But while it’s likely Laputa director and creator Hayao Miyazai purposely chose to craft an ambiguous ending to the film, we do now know what happened to the island: it became this awesome hanging planter from anime retailer Benelic.
The concept of plant factories is not a new one. Especially in space-strapped Japan, the idea of a compact garden that can simulate a natural environment in a tight urban area is highly desirable.
Keystone Technologies is one Japanese company that has been constantly refining their LED garden technology. Currently they boast a system that can fit about a quarter acre’s worth of crops into a space of a hotel’s single-room, and that’s just the beginning.
















Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Which Japanese beef bowl chain’s near-identical demon grater onioroshi ponzu gyudon is the best?
Poké Ball cakes here for limited but long time to celebrate Pokémon franchise’s 30th anniversary
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Massive manga collaboration bringing 100 years of Shueisha manga to Uniqlo T-shirts【Photos】
Mister Donut and Godiva continue their sweet sweets relationship with new treats on sale now in Japan
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Is Oni Koroshi sake in a drink box wino fuel or a hidden gem?
Possibly the greatest textbook doodles of all time
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
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’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
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
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
Massive manga collaboration bringing 100 years of Shueisha manga to Uniqlo T-shirts【Photos】
Mister Donut and Godiva continue their sweet sweets relationship with new treats on sale now in Japan
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Is Oni Koroshi sake in a drink box wino fuel or a hidden gem?
Possibly the greatest textbook doodles of all time
New KitKat pizzas are coming to Pizza Hut Japan
What makes a good boss in Japan? Workers sound off in survey
Japanese men share what they can put up with in a girlfriend, but would be marriage deal-breakers
Majority of Japanese mayors say foreign residents are essential but most see good and bad effects
Almost exactly half of the new adults in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward are foreigners
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Japan’s foreign tourist numbers projected to fall for first time in years in 2026
Japan’s Poképark Kanto Pokémon theme park area shows first attraction photos