Earlier this month we highlighted the work of banana engraver Keisuke Yamada. His highly detailed and potassium rich recreations of popular people and characters had made him something of a celebrity around Japan and abroad. In several of his TV interviews he had mentioned how he would like to see an increase in banana artists.
This inspired our own reporter Hotaru to take up the noble art of banana carving herself. So under the guise of a RocketNews24 reporter this future artist arranged an interview with Mr. Yamada, in hopes of secretly learning how to be a famous banana engraver herself.
It didn’t hurt that he was kind of cute too.
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Start saving room now – Japanese grocery store’s biggest sushi roll yet is coming for Setsubun
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
TikTok releases its Year in Music 2025 – Japan’s Top 10 Songs ranking
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Black Thunder chocolate-bar-shaped fishing lures coming next year
Poll finds support to let women inherit imperial throne as Japan faces possible succession crisis
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Tokyo changes age limit for kids going into opposite sex’s bath at hot springs and sento
Foreign tourists blamed for Japan rice shortage as “Reiwa Rice Riots” leaves shelves bare
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
More Shinkansen trains being added to Japan’s “golden route” to meet traveler demand
Japanese woman mistaken for bear
Return of Totoro sequel short anime announced for Ghibli Park
Starbucks Japan quietly slips fans another Christmas present with Joyful Medley Strawberry Milk Tea
Japanese man who didn’t know how banks work defrauded out of 21 million yen
Gundam and Reebok team up for new GQuuuuuuX Pumps【Photos】
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
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
A guide to visiting Sagamiko Illumination, one of the three biggest light-ups in Kanto
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
Black Thunder chocolate-bar-shaped fishing lures coming next year
Poll finds support to let women inherit imperial throne as Japan faces possible succession crisis
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Tokyo changes age limit for kids going into opposite sex’s bath at hot springs and sento
Foreign tourists blamed for Japan rice shortage as “Reiwa Rice Riots” leaves shelves bare
Japanese woman mistaken for bear
Viral 3D ice creams land in Japan… but are they worth the hype?
Here it is: The finalized map for Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan (and its food)
On our final visit to Tsukiji fish market, tuna merchant tells us his fears about its replacement
11 different ways to say “father” in Japanese
Pocky recall issued in Japan after customers notice off-the-mark taste caused by unintended smells
Japanese convenience store Family Mart adding crane games to thousands of branches
This Tokyo apartment complex lets you paint your room, offers community BBQ and camping gear