(Updated on October 9, 2018) The beautiful traditional neighborhood of Pontocho in Kyoto, in spite of its small size, is a treasure trove of hidden…

(link to Part 1) —————— Toei Kyoto Studio Park The Uzumasa area of Kyoto is often called the Hollywood of Japan. The otherwise unremarkable neighborhood…

For some women, make up is a great way to express themselves, for others it’s just another pressure burdened on them by an image obsessed…

Those devilishly adorable and perennially popular twin maids of the light novel and anime Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World will be celebrating their…

When the first long trailer aired last week, gaming fans finally got a real look at the highly anticipated Hokuto ga Gotoku, the latest game…

Ukiyo-e, which translates to “image(s) of the floating world,” is a genre of Japanese art that thrived from the 17th to 19th centuries. Artists produced…

In a series called “Father and Sons Design Workshop Illustrations”, Tokyo-based French anime artist Thomas Romain (Symphogear, Space Dandy, Aria, Macross Delta, and Basquash!) takes…

In a rare confluence of genres, the recently released fan-made short film called “ZVP: Zatoichi vs Predator” combines jidaigeki (historical film usually featuring samurai sword-fighting…

With the approach of the 2020 Olympic Games and an uptick in foreign tourism, Japan has started a campaign to make traveling in the country…

Most anime fans have seen pictures of cars decorated in full or partial wrap-around stickers or paintwork featuring anime characters. A common sight in otaku-friendly…

Popular Japanese CD/bookstore and video rental chain Tsutaya seems to be tapping into a recent trend to appeal to bookworms and those searching for affordable…

Violence never solves anything. The only way to settle differences is an old-fashioned, no holds barred rap battle. In a new video promoting Pokemon Ultra…

(link to Part 2) —————— Toei Kyoto Studio Park The Uzumasa area of Kyoto is often called the Hollywood of Japan. The otherwise unremarkable neighborhood…

Ever since the first recreational vertical wind tunnel opened in Las Vegas in 1982, it has been possible to enjoy the thrill of “flying” without…

Somewhat removed from the hustle and bustle of Shibuya station, the area known as “Okushibu” continues to gain popularity for its more laid-back atmosphere, galleries…