Japan has an interesting relationship with moss. From the “Moss Covered Forest” that inspired Princess Mononoke, to the marimo “moss balls” found in Hokkaido, to MOS Burger that has tragically deterred foreigners for decades by its name alone.
But it’s one man’s quest to use moss in a new way that has recently piqued the interest of the internet. In the hopes of creating realistic figurines that look like they’ve been abandoned for centuries, he wants to get them covered in moss the old fashioned way: by waiting for years.


Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
We asked our Japanese team of writers how they deal with seasonal allergies in Japan
Japan’s budget chain restaurant Saizeriya might just be the perfect first date location
We tried Korea’s way-too-big King Tonkatsu Burger at Lotteria 【Taste Test】
Five things that keep Japanese people chained to their jobs
One-handed pizza from Domino’s Japan is the ultimate convenience
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students
Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Now is the time to visit one of Tokyo’s best off-the-beaten-path plum blossom gardens
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
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
We asked our Japanese team of writers how they deal with seasonal allergies in Japan
Japan’s budget chain restaurant Saizeriya might just be the perfect first date location
We tried Korea’s way-too-big King Tonkatsu Burger at Lotteria 【Taste Test】
Five things that keep Japanese people chained to their jobs
One-handed pizza from Domino’s Japan is the ultimate convenience
Do different brands of Japanese tofu taste different? We try all the supermarket types to find out
20 things to buy at the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo store
Sushi Push Pops aiming to be Japan’s newest sakura season snack sensation
Japan’s Shinkansen trains are getting a Super Mario makeover【Pics】
Mister Donut unveils new sakura doughnuts for cherry blossom season 2026
Conveyor belt yakiniku: Our new favourite way to enjoy all-you-can-eat meat in Japan
This US$21,000 future chair will increase productivity, bankrupt your company
Number of foreigners living in Japan has grown 50 percent in four years, hits historic high
Finally, a tool to save us from the pain of sitting Japanese-style【Photos】