There are already numerous platforms allowing anyone with a smartphone to create a virtual avatar and become a Virtual Youtuber. However, while some apps allow…

Working wonders in liquid resin and wire, Kazamidori 風碧 is a talented artist who creates both works to decorate your home and to accessorize your…

Japanese tea is gaining more and more popularity overseas. High quality, distinctive tastes, health benefits and an intriguing traditional tea culture have all worked together…

Kotatsu: A way to stay warm in winter Kotatsu (炬燵 or コタツ), low table frames first covered by a quilted futon or blanket then a…

Long celebrated by Japanese poets for their ephemeral beauty and delicate scent, Japanese cherry blossoms (sakura) also provide the ideal backdrop for a picnic with…

The Tokyo Tokyo Festival, an initiative led by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Arts Council Tokyo to drum up excitement in the run-up to the…

With a Frappuccino for every occasion, each year we are treated to a slew of seasonal and limited time only masterpieces. The creative engine that…

Some Japanese art students really bring out the big guns for their graduation projects, but sculptor Sakura Hanafusa (@hanafusa_sakura) expertly crafted one that all cat…

It’s been one year since the LINE FRIENDS flagship store in Harajuku opened and started offering three floors of the cutest character goods around. As…

Japanese Voices 日本語のままクールジャパン is a regular series designed for learners of Japanese to enjoy real Japanese language programming from Nippon Broadcasting System, one of the…

It isn’t that long ago that beloved U.S. burger chain Shake Shack made its Japan debut, and its already become a firm favourite. They haven’t…

While you may think that maid cafes are mostly alike, there is one establishment in Akihabara that many believe represents the gold standard of high…

(Updated on 3/29 with expected time of new era name announcement) Right now in Japan, there are hundreds of companies busily preparing commemorative goods to…

In accordance with Japanese culture and work ethics, Japanese restaurants, particularly shops specializing in traditional Japanese foods, are expected to behave formally and politely when…

Pierre Taki’s Drug Arrest Pierre Taki’s arrest on suspicion of cocaine use on March 12th has had severe repercussions for the Japanese music and entertainment…