Fight off the coronavirus with Amabie monster sake!
When COVID-19 first latched onto the world, nobody could have guessed how Japan would soon become overrun with the anti-plague yokai, Amabie. The fishlike, disease…
Art
Move over Amabie, Japan’s list of virus-fighting “prophetic creatures” is growing
Although Japan seems to have weathered the worst of the coronavirus pandemic, at least in its first wave, many here are still understandably cautious and…
Ghost in the Beer: OGA Brewing & “Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045” collaborate on IPAs
“Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045,” the cyberpunk manga and anime franchise’s first full installment in 3D computer graphics, debuted exclusively on Netflix on April 23rd…
How a ninja mask gave its user extra power to face the coronavirus
Demand for face masks has been outstripping supply in Japan ever since the ‘state of emergency’ was declared on April 7th. Do they really work?…
Artist pens a touching manga on trials, and joys, of being a deliveryman during COVID-19
The world feels topsy-turvy these days. Many things seem out of place. To protect the people we care about, we must keep our distance. Some…
Japan’s most famous penguin and brush craftsmen team up for penguin makeup brushes
Known for its traditional handmade crafting of brushes used in calligraphy and cosmetics, the city of Kumano in Hiroshima is sometimes called the “capital of…
Illustrator chronicles Animal Crossing adventures as authentic explorer with incredible notebook
Part of the charm behind the seemingly unending popularity of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the ability to customize your daily routine and island to…
“Weathering with You” art backgrounds book details, first edition gifts revealed
Many fans of Makoto Shinkai’s latest hit film “Weathering with You” have been patiently waiting for May 27th, when the gorgeous book dedicated to the…
Elementary school student creates amazing Infinity Fortress from Demon Slayer in Blender
Students in Japan have been dealing with ongoing school shutdowns due to the coronavirus in creative ways, such as reorganizing a canceled graduation ceremony via…
Boo from Mario turned into ghoulishly adorable mochi dumplings
Shiratama, (“white balls”), which are are small, sweet mochi dumplings, are a traditional Japanese confectionery that can be enjoyed a number of different ways. The…
Adorable My Melody fashion doll is Sanrio’s second official collaboration with Pullip
Sanrio fans who also collect (or at least, appreciate) fashion dolls may recall Sanrio’s first official collaboration with famous doll maker Pullip last year, on…
Say Hello to the New Game Creators Brand to Promote the Gaming Industry!
In modern times when video games and other “non-essential” industries–among many others–are feeling the pinch more and more, the creative minds behind our beloved games…
Shibuya Pixel Art 2020: Submissions Now Open!
Submissions for the Shibuya Pixel Art contest 2020 are now open. The competition which focuses on the production and appreciation of retro art is accepting…
Expert engraver will design your digital hanko free of charge in pandemic-inspired initiative
Hanko culture in peril As we reported earlier, the coronavirus pandemic has deepened concerns over Japan’s traditional reliance on analog hanko seals for approving and…
Japanese baking artist creates adorably buff bread bear bodybuilders
Sometimes it can be difficult to decide whether we want to eat or simply admire the cuteness of the baked goods made by “bread illustration…