The history of Japanese music is long and storied, and contemporary artists, be they J-pop artists or grindcore bands, fill only a few chapters. Of course, they happen to be some of our favorite chapters, but we’re just saying, there’s a lot to discover!
One genre that has long been a favorite in Japan but hasn’t gotten as much attention overseas as, say, Hatsune Miku, is enka. A modern take on Japanese folk music, enka is probably most popular with older generations — but that hasn’t stopped one extravagantly dressed visual kei/rock drummer from giving it a shot!
Check the bizarre music video for Tsukasa Mogamigawa’s major label debut and get ready to shout “Maaaatsupoi poi poi!”
Station of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
Clever design trick means beautiful Ghibli Artboard Jigsaw Puzzles won’t have bittersweet ending
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
Japanese student writes to Arnold Schwarzenegger for English class, gets awesome reply in return
Haku is…Chihiro’s dead brother? Studio Ghibli fans blown away by Spirited Away theory
How to get all-you-can eat doughnuts at Mister Donut for just 12 bucks!
Giant Clodsire Pokémon plushie comes with up to 32 Woopers in super size, super cute set【Pics】
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke plushies show a softer side of formidable Ghibli characters
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Japan’s most popular castle raising ticket prices by up to 200 percent for non-local tourists
Furikake rice seasoning sales are soaring, which is bad news for Japan as a whole
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengers
[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
Japanese student writes to Arnold Schwarzenegger for English class, gets awesome reply in return
Haku is…Chihiro’s dead brother? Studio Ghibli fans blown away by Spirited Away theory
How to get all-you-can eat doughnuts at Mister Donut for just 12 bucks!
Giant Clodsire Pokémon plushie comes with up to 32 Woopers in super size, super cute set【Pics】
Wear your love of Madoka Magica to work with these discreetly nerdy neckties
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Does Japan’s T.M. Revolution J-rock cake really look like the song it’s named after?
Smoking marijuana is now illegal in Japan, can get you 7 years in prison
New Attack on Titan theme park attraction coming to Fuji-Q Highland
Is downtown Tokyo’s crazy cheap 290-yen bento boxed lunch shop still around, and is it still cheap?
Can you tell the difference between real beer and Japan’s happoshu quasi-beer?【Taste test】
Where’s the happiest place for foreigners to live in Japan? Study investigates
Eight Ways You Really, Really Shouldn’t Use a Japanese Toilet