The annual exhibition creates an enchanting town of light amid the fiery colors of autumn trees.
washi
Whether you’re into origami, scrapbooking or decorating, these Japanese papers will bring the magic of Studio Ghibli to all your favourite projects.
Release your bushido spirit with this stunning new lineup of traditional outfits made for today’s modern man.
Does Japan’s Mitsuoka Motors count as a carmaker? It’s debatable. Yes, the company does have its own dealers that sell Mitsuoka-branded cars. Almost all of them, though, are Nissans or Mazdas with extensive cosmetic modifications. Even the company’s Orochi coupe, which has its own dedicated body, uses an engine built by Toyota.
So let’s ask an easier question: Are Mitsuoka’s cars visually unique? Unquestionably. The company has always made aesthetics the number-one priority in all of its vehicles, and that tradition continues with woodcarving so exquisite it wouldn’t look at all out of place in a Japanese castle, but which instead graces this Mitsuoka sedan.
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.
If you don’t live in Hokkaido, Japanese summers are hot and humid! A good way to stay cool, other than staying in a confined room where air-conditioned air is piped out from a room cooler, is to use a uchiwa. It only takes just a little muscle to keep a constant breeze and recently there are highly functional ones that will help send cool air your way!
Stainless Steel type, put it in the Freezer!






Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Mister Donut and Godiva continue their sweet sweets relationship with new treats on sale now in Japan
Immersive ukiyoe exhibition in Osaka adds some scented flair
Japan’s foreign tourist numbers projected to fall for first time in years in 2026
Starbucks celebrates Halloween with new Frappuccino, tea and drinkware in Japan
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Semi-secret fried chicken from Japan’s big-three beef bowl chain Sukiya is worth tracking down
New anime train and bus ready to receive the love of Love Live! Sunshine!! fans in Shizuoka
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
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
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
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
Starbucks celebrates Halloween with new Frappuccino, tea and drinkware in Japan
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Semi-secret fried chicken from Japan’s big-three beef bowl chain Sukiya is worth tracking down
New anime train and bus ready to receive the love of Love Live! Sunshine!! fans in Shizuoka
Kyoto in summer: A special trip to Kifune shrine recharges the soul
Japan’s famous Suica Penguin JR train pass card mascot is “graduating”/being laid off
Live-action Legend of Zelda movie reveals cast for roles of Link and Zelda
Retired sumo champion swaps loincloth for a baker’s apron and their bread wows us 【Taste Test】
What was this Attack on Titan giant doing at a protest in Hong Kong?
Tokyo’s Ueno Station has an unmanned noodle restaurant on its platform, and its no-joke good
Massive manga mural takes over Tokyo station to celebrate Jujutsu Kaisen【Photos】
McDonald’s Japan releases a Mushroom Mountain and Bamboo Shoot Village McFlurry