Geshary Coffee: Tokyo’s finest speciality coffee shop
For many years, the English-speaking world was famous for its terrible coffee, but the last 20 years have seen a radical shake-up of coffee drinking….
Japan
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…
Japan to Partially Lift Travel Ban
Amidst an apparent second wave of Covid-19 infections centered in Tokyo, the Japanese government is looking to ease travel restrictions to allow re-entry for some…
Itohkyuemon’s most luxurious matcha ice-cream bars are perfect for summer!
The traditional tea house of Itohkyuemon, located in the city of Uji, Kyoto, specializes in excellent tea blends. Once again, it has exceeded my expectations…
Learn the lost art of the Ainu language
Like other indigenous groups, the Ainu people of Hokkaido and the north-eastern Honshu island of Japan have experienced marginalization. After the Japanese government annexed their…
Untouched deliveries and stand-in baseball fans: Japanese robotics join COVID-19 fight
If you’re an avid reader of Grape Japan, you’re well aware that Japan is experiencing a robot renaissance. According to the World Robotics – Industrial…
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…
On eve of arson anniversary, Kyoto Animation issues statement on visiting 1st Studio area
On the morning of July 18th, 2019, Building One of Kyoto Animation in Kyoto’s Fushimi Ward tragically burned to the ground in a horrific arson-murder…
Tokyo’s number one souvenir Tokyo Banana gets ice cream transformation
When it comes to souvenirs to bring back to your friends after visiting Tokyo, Tokyo Banana, a banana and milk flavored sponge cake, is the…
Experience the traditional delights of Japanese summer nights at Suzumushi Cafe
For those who live in the Tokyo area, the novel coronavirus pandemic has put limits on summer vacation plans. Many residents do not wish to…
Kuromi and My Melody collaboration cafe with Egg & Spuma returns this summer
Some of our readers may recall that popular cafe EGG & SPUMA, known for their Sanrio collaboration menus, had done their final collaboration last year….
Save your progress in style with soothing RPG “save point” crystal light
RPG fans know just how comforting and relieving the glow of a save point (especially when presented as a shiny crystal) can be. Japanese oddity…
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…
Japanese artist solves foggy glasses mask problem with brilliant Ramen Mask
Given the need to prioritize health and safety in recent times, many (hopefully) people are wearing masks. Those that have used masks for a while…
Tapista’s tropical boba parfaits feature Alphonso mangoes, bananas and dragonfruit
Tapista serves delicious high-quality boba tea drinks inside shops with a “cute and girly” interior based on a “French diner” theme. Featuring special homemade tapioca…