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…

Japan’s Self-Defence Forces usually occupy themselves with training to protect their country, but they’re not shy about pitching in to help their local community. The…

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…

Walk into any Japanese convenience store and you can find a horde of vitamin and energy drinks that claim to support the health of overworked…

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…

When we’re faced with an adult causing trouble or making a scene in public, finding the right words to warn them or persuade them to…

When delving into the local festivals of Japanese towns some strange traditions can be found, but none are considered as deadly as this one. Japan’s…

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…

Taking a day trip out of Tokyo can be a great chance to experience a more peaceful and historic side to Japanese life. Odawara Castle…

Although the beautiful blooms of sakura and the picnics that go with them won’t happen for another few months, Japanese people usually think of Spring…

One of the most instantly recognisable characters from Studio Ghibli, No-Face or Kaonashi was a mysterious spirit that appeared in Spirited Away. You may remember…

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…

For the last 23 years, people in Japan have turned on the evening news on December 12 (Kanji Day) to learn which “kanji of the…

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…