Anime fans around the world were disappointed in February when The Tale of Princess Kaguya, which all signs point to being the final directorial effort from veteran filmmaker Isao Takahata, failed to capture the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Still, it’s unlikely the low-key Takahata himself got too worked up over the result, given the many accolades he’s received over his almost 50-year career. Besides, this week Takahata had another honor bestowed upon him, as he was given the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French government.



Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Puppet Sunsun taking over Lawson convenience stores all over Japan
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Kura Sushi adding premium tier pricing for better chance at capsule machine game
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
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 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
Puppet Sunsun taking over Lawson convenience stores all over Japan
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Kura Sushi adding premium tier pricing for better chance at capsule machine game
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
10 great autumn Japan travel spots for fall colors and retro atmosphere【Survey】
Tokyo sex industry worker arrested for saying she needed tuition money, spending it on hosts
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
New line of modern samurai fashion for fall/winter will make you warm and cool
The crazy ordeal of putting together Japan’s 366-piece sushi plastic model kit【Photos】
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Kyoto Station’s hidden-in-plain-sight curry should be the last thing you eat before leaving town