Head massage specialist salon Goku no Kimochi may be the most sought-after massage establishment in Japan. Since they opened their first shop in Kyoto in…

Ultra-realistic animal masks seem to strike the surreal sweet spot between “terrifying” and “adorable”, as seen with Japan’s viral gigantic wearable felt cat heads, but…

Whether they are set in the past or in an imagined future, ruins are a favorite subject of illustrators working in the fantasy and science-fiction…

Here in Japan, with the official start of spring just around the corner, many people’s thoughts are turning to cherry blossoms. In Osaka, the beautiful…

by JAPAN Foward Photo by Masamichi Kirihara | © JAPAN Forward Just before dawn, a sight which resembles a sci-fi movie unfolded before our eyes….

Donguri Republic never disappoint when it comes to Studio Ghibli goods. The official retailer has an awe-inspiring amount of merchandise on the shelves, all inspired…

(Updated with information on product recall) At first, the idea of microwaving a bag of potato chips doesn’t sound right, even here in Japan. After…

Every once in a while, Japanese Twitter will break out a hashtag that shows off talented artists, handicraft makers, and cosplayers–as seen with the “A…

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…

Village Vanguard is a Japanese shop known to be full of oddities, but they also stock some pretty awesome gifts. These cat wagashi are the…

Adorable Shiba Inu buddy beverage glasses give you a doggo drinking buddy Whether it’s scratch and sniff stationery that smells like Shiba Inu tummies or…

Chicago-style pizza Whether it’s deep-dish style like Uno’s or stuffed like Giordano’s, Chicago-style pizza literally stands out from the rest with its deep pie crust….

Fighting sleep debt in Tokyo Whether it’s insomnia, sleep apnea, an over-booked travel itinerary, or for those who live here in Tokyo, long working hours…

If you’ever been to a Japanese bakery, you’ve no doubt noticed a variety of tasty breads and pastries to choose from, but one recent tread,…

Miyazaki Prefecture on the southeastern coast of Kyushu is a hidden gem which deserves to be explored. Although it doesn’t boast any major tourist attractions,…