Touching “A Whisker Away”-esque manga of deceased wife returning as cat to comfort husband
If you’re an anime fan, you may have recently noticed A Whisker Away floating its way up your Netflix recommendations page. The 2020 feature-length film…
Made in Japan
New Japanese cakes served up in whole melons, oranges, and pineapples for fruity dessert
If you’re a fan of Japanese bakeries, it’s very probable that you’ve encountered “Melon Bread” (melon pan), a sweet bun that features shape and texture…
Japanese artist gives cats gorgeous and regal Renaissance art treatment
Japanese artist Tokuhiro Kawai’s gorgeous oil paintings would look right at home in a museum dedicated to the noble art of the Renaissance, particularly if…
Japanese candy shop Shalala-sha’s beautiful “edible gems” make charming gifts
Shalala-sha is a candy shop specializing in kohaku-tō 琥珀糖 (literally “amber sugar”), a kind of candy made from pure sugar and kanten 寒天 (Japanese agar),…
Japanese shop’s adorable bear pancakes and sandwiches promise melt in your mouth goodness
The kawaii culture (or “cuteness culture”) in Japan is so entrenched in the country that shops and restaurants are constantly finding ways to make their…
Cheese Kuzumochi Pudding: A trio of fermented ingredients fuse in a refreshing summer treat
You can enjoy pudding almost anywhere in the world, but you’re not likely to experience puddings like the ones they make at Funabashiya 船橋屋. A…
Mizuno’s new athletic footwear is being nicknamed “Akira Shoes” because, well, look at them.
Japanese sports equipment and sportswear company Mizuno’s newly released shoes use a shock-resistant padding they call “MIZUNO ENERZY” that provides resilient lightweight footwear for athletes….
Bandai Namco’s “Den-On-Bu” dance music character project assembles all-star cast
During the Asobinotes Online Fes held on Sunday, June 28th, Bandai Namco Entertainment’s fledgling sound entertainment label Asobinotes announced an exciting new project called “Den-On-Bu.”…
Japanese inventor makes face mask that rises to let you eat, other “useless machines” for pandemic times
Although it has become somewhat of a political issue in some countries, medical authorities mostly concur that that wearing a face mask is useful the…
This Bearbrick bear may be horrifying to all but the most devoted wagyu lovers
Medicom Toy Inc.’s internationally popular B@ARBRICK bear collectible toys are famous for their artist collaborations. Since artists aren’t limited to sticking to cute and innocent…
Proudly display your weaboo cred with your very own gaijin hanko
Although foreigners living in Japan can use their signature in most situations they’ll encounter, there are few situations where having a hanko seal can come…
Upcoming Fate/Grand Order anime film collaborates with AXE deodorant
If you’re a fan of the Fate Night/Grand Order series, then you’re probably excited about the upcoming two-part animated film based on the 6th Chapter:…
Luxury Tokyo Hotel Holds Summer Fruits Parfait Instagram Competition
In Japan, parfait is not only a dessert; it is art, forever transcending form and flavor in unimaginable ways. Take this edible Bonsai Parfait for…
Bonuses Down and Paycuts a Must in Pandemic-slammed Japan
For a long time, I would suggest that Japanese consumers have been squeezed. In October 2019, the government raised the consumption tax from eight percent…
Music of the Ainu indigenous people is strangely hypnotic
Although Japan is largely considered homogeneous, minority groups do exist. Twenty-five thousand residents are considered Ainu, an East Asian ethnic group indigenous to the northern…