Limited edition knitted hoodies feature Hokusai prints reimagined into pixel art
Knitting has long been a part of the regional culture of Tokyo’s Sumida Ward, with a history in its trade dating back to the Edo…
Culture
This company is bringing the single-toothed geta shoe back into fashion
If you’ve ever been lucky enough to have a maiko, geisha or oiran pass you by in the streets, you may have noticed their approach…
Converted warehouse joins 10 kominka houses as part of this nostalgic yokocho food alley in Yoyogi
Shibuya’s popular “goodwill alleyway”, Hobo Shinjuku Norengai, has unveiled an annex venue that converts a large warehouse (that neighbours the main site) into a yoko-cho…
Shinto priests try to appease the spirit of the Nine-Tailed Fox and prevent global havoc
The Killing Stone and the Nine-Tailed Fox As we reported earlier this month, the “Killing Stone” (殺生石 sesshō-seki) in Nasu, Japan, believed to be the…
Enjoy a unique hanami this year with cherry blossom viewing rickshaw rides in Asakusa
If you’ve ever set foot in Tokyo’s Asakusa district chances are that you have crossed paths with a rickshaw or two. They’re pretty hard to…
Hamster celebrates Girl’s Day in Japan with traditional doll boyfriend
On March 3rd, many in Japan celebrated hinamatsuri, a festival (often translated as “Girl’s Day”) that sees many households put up traditional ornamental doll displays…
Does Hinamatsuri have a negative effect on children and can it lead to gender identity issues?
Whether you prefer to travel big or go local, there are always plenty of festivals taking place throughout the year in Japan that can give…
Japan’s famous Killing Stone has broken, potentially releasing the Nine-Tailed Fox Demoness imprisoned inside
With a name that translates to “Killing Stone”, the Sessho-seki (殺生石) in Nasu, Japan is ominous in its own right. The famous rock in Nasu,…
Modeler’s Gundam bonsai sculptures look like the ruins of an epic ancient battle
Many who craft plastic Mobile Suit Gundam models (often shortened to “Gunpla” in Japanese) are able to add a special something that adds a whole…
Cats celebrate Girl’s Day by taking over traditional Japanese doll display
On the Japanese calendar, Hinamatsuri, also known as Girl’s Day, is a day to circle. Although celebrated on March 3rd, in the days leading up…
Give your tea an impact with Neon Genesis Evangelion traditional cast iron kettles
You might not immediately think of traditional Japan iron cast kettles as a perfect match for anime merchandise, but a recently released Mobile Suit Gundam…
Japan’s ninja-famous Iga city teams with dancer Kento Mori to promote rich tradition
Iga city, famous for its rich ninja history and lore, is teaming up with famous Japanese dance artist Kento Mori to promote that very ninja…
Japanese rice promotional video replaces “Toast of Tardiness” anime trope with rice balls
The “Toast of Tardiness” trope One of the most famous anime tropes is a girl running late to school with a piece of toast in…
Japanese demon chow chow adorably expresses concern over bean-throwing holiday season
February 3rd this year marked the holiday and festival of setsubun (“Seasonal Division”) in Japan. Setsubun marks the end of winter and beginning of spring,…
A brief introduction to hatsuyume, and survey results revealing their frequency and more
Think back to the first dream you had this year… did it happen to feature Mount Fuji, a hawk and/or an eggplant? If so, then…