Inside Doraemon’s Museum: A visit to the Fujiko F Fujio Museum in Kawasaki City
Fujiko F Fujio is the pen name of the manga artists duo that brought to life one of Japan’s most beloved characters, Doraemon, the robot…
Japan
One Piece teams up with popular snack Umaibō for a cheesy “treasure map” treat
Umaibō, the popular 10-yen stick-shaped corn puff snack which has been a kids’ favorite since 1979, is known for having many zany flavors. Spicy brined…
Kyoto pop icon and Harajuku fashion leader Asachill captured in photobook by M. Kato, influential J-pop artist photographer
Kyoto pop icon Asachill Some of our long-term grape Japan readers may recall model, singer, artist, Harajuku fashion leader and Kyoto pop icon Asachill. We…
Tommy Lee Jones gives pandemic advice as coffee-loving alien in Japanese commercial
For many, the defining example of a Hollywood actor advertising products in Japanese commercials may not even be an actual one, but the character Bill…
Animal Crossing player brilliantly retells Spirited Away scene-by-scene
Whether it’s because of so many people staying at home these days or simply the inventive nature of the game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons players…
Neon Genesis Evangelion razors released for “Shave Impact”
Despite the delayed releases of the latest Neon Genesis Evangelion film, Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, the celebratory merchandise wave in Japan hasn’t been…
Shock your taste buds with new adorable Pikachu tropical gummies
Pikachu seems to have quite the affinity for being reproduced as tropical flavored sweets in Japan, as seen recently with the new Pikachu Golden Pineapple…
Omotenashi Matsuri: Online music party delivers best of anime and Japanese DJ scene
A new project from Omotenashi Beats Omotenashi Beats, a project started in 2019 by Avex Entertainment Inc. (AEI), Avex Management Inc. (AMG), and Avex Pictures…
Take the cherry blossom parties to your home with sakura scented mosquito repellent incense
Artistic twists by traditional incense makers in Japan have resulted in some truly unique ideas, including beautiful fallen leaf and matchstick type incense. Fragrance item…
Giant Panda, Tantan, to be returned to China after 20 years in Kobe Zoo
Long-time, much-loved resident of Kobe City Oji Zoo, Tantan the panda will be making her way home to China this summer after 2 decades living…
Become a Rich Dino Baby Mama with this Dinosaur Hatching Money Box
With the restrictions put in place keeping us from heading out beyond our own genkan or balconies, there really is no better time than lockdown…
Get your hands on an environmentally friendly DIY daruma set
With entertainment just a click of a button away these days, it can be hard for us to connect with our more creative and traditional…
Japanese nurse’s touching letter to daughter shows real emotions from a coronavirus frontliner
In the battle against coronavirus, healthcare workers are the ones fighting on the frontlines. Japan has over 16,000 confirmed coronavirus cases (as of May 21),…
It’s time for Japanese convenience store fried super sweet corn and chicken sticks
The hot food corner of a Japanese convenience store is often filled with surprising limited edition treats, such as Final Fantasy fried chicken and pudding-filled…
Potent “Garlic Punch” potato chips help you practice social distancing
An ode to garlic Garlic lovers can sometimes wax poetic about the object of their desire. With its beautiful white bulbs and pungent aroma, the…