Japanese illustrator’s “Real ‘Museum Girls’” series reinterprets classic paintings in SNS age
As you can guess from the header image showing Vermeer’s “The Girl with a Pearl Earring” and Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” enjoying selfies together,…
Art
Okinawa’s newest theme park focuses on kawaii culture
In Japan, Kawaii Culture is everywhere. From the frilly lace sleeves of Lolita fashionistas and colourful accessory hoarding skills of Decora Kei enthusiasts, to the…
Japanese artist crafts mysterious “children of the stars” lamps with out of this world cuteness
One look at the Twitter page or online shop of Japanese artist, illustrator, and designer Isasa (@isanatolu) will let you know that the talented artist…
Breathtaking photos of countryside temple’s hydrangeas shows of underrated beauty of rainy season in Japan
“This is what it looks like during rainy season in the country side.” Photos with the above caption, posted on Twitter by Japanese photographer skgk…
New Japanese beverage Calpis bottles reveal gorgeous pairs of anime illustrations when you finish drinking
Fans of Japanese soft drinks will be familiar with Calpis (or Calpico as it is called in some countries to avoid an unfortunate pronunciation mixup)….
Grandaughter asks grandpa why he became bus driver and manga tells his compelling response
There is a lot us young rapscallions can learn from older generations. While the culturally sensitive and information-dense lifestyles of millennials and Gen Zers have…
High-energy performers shred on the traditional Japanese instrument the shamisen
You gotta love music. Whether its spacey ambient kankyo ongaku, relaxing jazz progressions from the 1970s, or a seven-hour kawaii danceathon, there’s nothing like the…
Hatsune Miku club event Digital Stars to hold first online event free on Twitch
Hatsune Miku fans, especially those who attended any one of the MIKU EXPO events in Seattle (2016), San Francisco (2016), Los Angeles (2016, 2018), New…
Being Bishōjo: A dialogue between independent Vtuber Virtual Bishōjo Nem & kigurumi artist Takurō
By – Ben K Introduction As readers of grape Japan can surely attest to, the kawaii aesthetic has become an internationally recognized commodity. But where…
Imagine getting a love letter from Re:Zero’s Rem or Ram with Japan Post goods lineup
As many of those who enjoyed the anime series Re:Zero Starting Life in Another World breathe a sigh of relief now that the long-awaited second…
“Capturing the spirit of science” photo contest now open!
Curiosity makes the world go round. It runs deep in our blood, like an instinct left behind from our most ancient ancestors. Without it we…
One Piece dolls from traditional crafts company Usaburo Kokeshi return for second series
Hey One Piece fans! If you’re looking for something which stands out from your typical anime merchandise, then take a look at these traditional wooden…
Evangelion teams up with Japanese elegant rock fashion brand glamb on tees and hoodies
Evangelion + glamb collaboration To commemorate the upcoming Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, the fourth and final film in Hideaki Anno’s Rebuild of Evangelion…
Japanese engineer shows “where stars are born and die” in galactic beauty
Japanese Twitter user @aiwendil1 says in their Twitter profile that they’re a “engineer and researcher who loves all things that are difficult to classify”, and…
Unique Iphone cases feature Mickey Mouse in kabuki actor Ukiyo-e woodblock print style
If you’ve ever visited Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea, then you may have picked up a few gifts at one of the many gift shops available,…