Japanese service transforms old kimono and obi into gorgeous sneakers
It can always be hard to say goodbye to or simply etire old clothes. Whether they’re damaged or just don’t fit, threads that have sentimental…
Culture
Soso in Hibiya puts a chic and contemporary spin on traditional wagashi sweets
Modern interpretations of Wagashi As with many forms of culinary arts in Japan, respecting the old ways is not only important for maintaining continuity with…
Going Home For Obon: How COVID-19 Has Changed Everyone’s Plans
Florentyna Leow, JAPAN Forward Every year on the 14th of August, the Matsuyama family loads up their car with 10 lanterns in preparation for the…
Twitter users show off their non-standard “spirit animal” displays for Obon Festival
Obon Festival Obon is a Japanese festival taking place in summer which fuses belief in ancestral spirits and Buddhism. The main purpose is to welcome…
Textile maker releases woven traditional Japanese paper masks for kimono
As masks have become an everyday essential in Japan as a countermeasure against the spread of the novel coronavirus, makers have taken to releasing more…
#RegisterHarassment video, manga trend on Japanese Twitter as COVID-19 stresses shoppers
It’s stressful times. No surprises there. However, it’s sad to see individuals bickering and berating one another when we should be coming together. Nevertheless, that’s…
Kochi Pref. police submits impressive dance video to first-ever online Yosakoi Festival
Yosakoi and the Yosakoi Festival With festivals and competitions held in over 200 locations in Japan, as well as in countries such as the US,…
Japan’s corona-fighting monster Amabie makes a surprise appearance in a fireworks festival
If you’re interested in Japan and have been following some of the news in the last few months, chances are you’ve heard of Amabie. The…
Detailed map shows how Japan stereotypes each prefecture
Japan has 47 prefectures, and while not 100% true, they do each have some distinct specialties, qualities, and incidents that lead to stereotypes. Japan historian…
The experience of mixed-race people in Japan
Japanese culture developed, in many ways, independently from the rest of Asia. A phenomenon known as ガラパゴス化, the Galapagos effect, this branching off from mainland…
Manga about a macho man with an unusual habit
You meet all kinds of people living as an ex-pat in Japan. Perhaps this is typical of minority communities, but there seems to be a…
“What an incredible idea!” –A professional recipe for beautiful edible “Hari-bako”
Let us introduce an incredible creation; “eatable Hari-bako (Decorated paper box)”. This came from a paper container company “Taisei shiki seisaku jyo” located in Toda…
Atami city’s unique square-shaped cream puffs – a perfectly proportioned treat
Many-a-foodie have fallen victim to the soft and sweet delishness of the cream puff. Sweet balls of dough filled to the brim with silky smooth…
How we became modern: a trip to Tokyo Advertising Museum
The Tokyo Advertising Museum in Shinbashi is the only museum dedicated to the history of advertising in Japan. It was opened in 2002 to commemorate…
Kōdō: the Japanese art of incense appreciation
Many people are aware of two of Japan’s most refined artistic traditions: the tea ceremony (chadō or sadō 茶道) and flower arranging (kadō 花道). But…