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.

Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Picturesque Tokyo park plays host to millions of flowers and soap bubbles this spring
Japan’s favorite sandwich pockets now come with sakura filling, but how do they taste?[Taste test]
Rumors say this is Japan’s very best McDonald’s branch, but what makes it special?[Taste test]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
10 awesome Tokyo cherry blossom festivals and experiences for this year’s sakura season
We asked our Japanese team of writers how they deal with seasonal allergies in Japan
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Say hello to Japan’s new generation of adults, fresh from Kitakyushu’s 2023 seijinshiki ceremony
Not a fan of dishwashing? Get yourself an electric, plate-scrubbing robot appendage
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
10 awesome Tokyo cherry blossom festivals and experiences for this year’s sakura season
We asked our Japanese team of writers how they deal with seasonal allergies in Japan
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Say hello to Japan’s new generation of adults, fresh from Kitakyushu’s 2023 seijinshiki ceremony
Not a fan of dishwashing? Get yourself an electric, plate-scrubbing robot appendage
Survey reveals that secretaries in Japan say ‘no’ to these types of husband
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
This upcycled Kyoto train cafe is the ultimate kawaii spring experience
Japanese swimsuit models celebrate Bikini Day 2018【Photos】
Starbucks Japan has a new Frappuccino on the menu, but does it really taste like a cream puff?
Final Fantasy invites you to adventure in Fukushima with Fukushima Fantasy Chocobo fun[Video]
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list