Since Her Excellency Tomomi Inada, Minister in charge of Japan’s “Cool Japan” strategy, visited New York, JapanCulture•NYC has been trying to define “Cool Japan” as it relates to New Yorkers. The broad range of the term can encompass an overwhelming number of areas: Food, fashion, design, travel, the list goes on.
To focus on one type of fashion, JapanCulture•NYC turns to the expertise of New York-based accessories designer Jen Green, who attended Japan Society’s Lolita fashion discussion on February 5. In this special guest post, Jen deconstructs the Lolita look and phenomenon for the uninitiated.


7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
Chinese internet unusually upset by “most usual Chinese face” composite
We take a ride on Seibu Railway’s futuristic luxury liner: the Limited Express Laview
7-Eleven Japan has a hack for creating insanely delicious potato chip rice meals
Expensive Japanese nail clippers: Are they worth it?
New limited-edition Starbucks Japan drinks are for true coffee lovers!【Taste Test】
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
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
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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
We take a ride on Seibu Railway’s futuristic luxury liner: the Limited Express Laview
7-Eleven Japan has a hack for creating insanely delicious potato chip rice meals
Expensive Japanese nail clippers: Are they worth it?
New limited-edition Starbucks Japan drinks are for true coffee lovers!【Taste Test】
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
Tokyo’s first gourmet choco banana specialty shop is worth stopping in Harajuku for
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Japan’s buzzword of the year nominees: A great way to learn and be baffled by Japanese vocabulary
Save your favorite characters and a small part of Tokyo in The Benza’s free RPG
Thousands are Buying Up a Toy Fan That Pumps Out Some Serious Wind Power On The Cheap
Number of foreigners studying Japanese in Japan hits record high, but are there enough teachers?
Is it worth eating at Akihabara Ramen Center?
We visited the southernmost and westernmost convenience stores in all of Japan…or so we thought