2015 has been a good year for lovers of Japanese art in Boston. The city’s phenomenal Museum of Fine Arts has hosted not just one, but three special exhibitions of Japanese art so far this year, along with its newly restored Japanese garden outside. The most hyped of all of these is an exhibition dedicated solely to Katsushika Hokusai, one of the most important ukiyo-e painters and printmakers of the Edo period who’s best known as the creator of The Great Wave off Kanagawa.
Besides the Hokusai collection, the museum is also hosting a particularly powerful exhibit displaying the work of 17 photographers in the wake of the 2011 Tohoku triple disasters, along with a lighthearted exhibit showcasing prints of some whimsical Japanese toys and games. As all three of the exhibitions are preparing to wind down within the next few weeks after hosting thousands of visitors over the past months, we thought we’d take a moment to share some of their highlights with you!

A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Japan manners debate: Is it OK to put a Mister Donut donut back on the shelf after taking it?
Japan has omurice chocolate, and the weirdest thing isn’t how it tastes
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Swapping seats on Japan’s bullet trains is not allowed, Shinkansen operator says
Senkoji: The Japanese temple that’s more like a theme park to heaven and hell
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Naruto Shippuden x Maeda Coffee collaboration cafe event is coming to Kyoto this week
Head of Tokyo board of education gets asked about dumb school hairstyle rule, gives dumb answer
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
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
Swapping seats on Japan’s bullet trains is not allowed, Shinkansen operator says
Senkoji: The Japanese temple that’s more like a theme park to heaven and hell
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Naruto Shippuden x Maeda Coffee collaboration cafe event is coming to Kyoto this week
Head of Tokyo board of education gets asked about dumb school hairstyle rule, gives dumb answer
Classy pipes, intestines, and a taste of the past all can be yours from Asakusa vending machines
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Act of Japanese kindness touches one man’s heart, provides hope for elevator etiquette
7-Eleven Japan sells freshly baked pizzas…but are they any good?
Domino’s releases new “Crispizzaburger” in Japan
Free to download Japanese marriage applications are cute, stylish, and legally binding
Anime and video game backgrounds now free to download for video conference calls
Amazing papercraft kit looks, and even sounds, just like the Nintendo Famicom【Photos】