traditional crafts
Unique accommodation plan will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the world of Studio Ghibli.
The popular vloggers were forced to apologise after their actions sparked outrage in Japan.
The centuries-old company is using a sensual ad campaign to draw attention to their innovative new range.
It’s a modern-day sheath made in honour of the samurai known as the “Crimson Demon of War”.
With so many traditional arts, customs and practices, it’s not hard to fall in love with Japanese culture. For one French couple, it was a night of origami paper-folding with a Japanese friend that left a big impression. Intrigued by the art, they set upon a journey to recreate the folded designs in metal and not long afterwards, a gorgeous jewellery collection was born, featuring delicate animals, birds, crustaceans and dinosaurs.
The traditional art of Japanese paper making has a history that dates back well over 1,000 years. Kurotani in Kyoto is one of the oldest paper-making villages where the tradition continues in earnest, with artisans continuing the ancient practice of paper skimming, classed as an intangible cultural asset by Kyoto Prefecture.
Like all Japanese arts, the process of creating washi has a precise and meditative quality about it. From collecting and preparing the raw materials to filtering and pressing the paper, the movements of these craftspeople and the life they lead is truly a sight to behold.
Japanese filmmaker Takashi Kuroyanagi has captured these moments in a beautiful five-minute film that takes us through the process from beginning to end and the result is breathtaking in its meditative beauty. If you’re looking for a way to take five minutes to relax in a busy day, this video is the calming tonic you need.
It’s no secret that Disney has been hugely successful in Japan. The Japanese anime industry may have cultivated a unique style over the years that’s quite different from that of the international entertainment giant, but the public here in Japan definitely seems to love all things Disney, from beautiful lingerie to adorable mini-cakes.
So we guess it’s not too surprising that Disney characters have now been recreated using traditional Japanese crafts, which is the concept behind the Disney Japan Classic Series of merchandise. Join us for a look at what delightful forms the familiar Disney characters have taken at the hands of traditional Japanese artisans! Read More
You could say that the traditional Japanese sword, or katana, symbolizes the strength and beauty of the Japanese spirit. We see these swords quite often in comics, anime and movies, but how well do we really know the spiritual and cultural elements they embody?
To find out, we went to a true expert to learn about the fascinating and mysterious world of Japanese swords. Join us for an in-depth interview with master katana maker Norihiro Miyairi!
MOST POPULAR
Now
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
10 crazy pizzas from Japan
Kit Kat taxis blessed by Shinto priest offer good luck to test-taking passengers
Utada Hikaru explains “why getting over someone is so painful”
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Japanese government considering raising foreign resident visa renewal fees by 400 percent or more
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Bill Gates Building a Mansion in Japan!? We Investigate!
Weekly
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches- Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan- Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
- Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Monthly
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- 7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
- Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
- Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area- Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
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
Yearly
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
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Utada Hikaru explains “why getting over someone is so painful”
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Japanese government considering raising foreign resident visa renewal fees by 400 percent or more
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Bill Gates Building a Mansion in Japan!? We Investigate!
W.T.F. Japan: Top 5 nicest sounds in Japan【Weird Top Five】
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
This Japanese pub with one-yen bottles of sake broke our brain and made our day
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
The true meaning of December 25: The birth of Levi from Attack on Titan
Has the Mt Fuji Lawson blackout screen really stopped tourists from taking photos?
-
