How Tokyo’s department stores got their big start
The first modern department store in Japan was Mitsukoshi, which was founded in 1904. But in common with most of the country’s most venerable department…
Made in Japan
The tiny doors of Tokyo
I like to think that the layout of a city reflects the frame of mind of those who built it. Just as Beijing is a…
Thatch: humble yet elegant roofing material in search of a new lease of life
In England and Denmark, there are still entire villages of thatched houses. While it is expensive to thatch a roof in those countries, it is…
A visit to Obuse: chestnuts and handicrafts in the mountains of Nagano prefecture
The little town of Obuse 小布施町 in Nagano prefecture is known for its chestnuts, which have inspired dishes such as chestnut-flavoured ice cream, crepes and…
The Hokusai Museum in Obuse: worthy tribute to “the old man who was mad about painting”
Katsushika Hokusai (葛飾北斎, 1760-1849), better known simply as Hokusai, was a Japanese artist, ukiyo-e painter and printmaker of the Edo period. He is best known for his woodblock…
Interview with Hiroyuki Goto from “Ichikei’s Crow – The Criminal Court Judges” – Producer
Note: This text is reproduced verbatim and provided courtesy of © Fuji Television Network, Inc. (Interview Date: May 2021) Here’s an interview with Hiroyuki Goto,…
Japan’s “screambulance” brings the haunted house to your doorstep
Haunted house production company 怖がらせ隊 Kowagarase-tai (Scaring Corps) made news last year when they began offering the world’s first drive-in haunted house as a socially…
Gridknight from SSSS.DYNAZENON action figure features stunning detail and articulation
Good Smile Company has just announced that Gridknight from the Trigger anime series SSSS.DYNAZENON is now available for pre-order as of today, May 18th, 2021….
Imperfectly shaped but perfectly good Miyazaki mangos made into mouthwatering ice cream
On May 14th, 2021, JALUX Corporation began selling a delicious new ice cream called “Miyazaki Mango Milk,” made with a mango puree from Kobayashi City,…
Help reduce marine waste in campaign for roasted nori, soy & conger eel flavor potato chips
Today, on Monday, May 17th, 2021, major Japanese potato chip maker Koikeya Co., Ltd. launched a new version of their JAPAN PRIDE Potato Roasted Nori…
![[Kimono Style] Why are Kimono so Expensive?](https://grapeejapan.com/wp-content/uploads/kimono-768x576.jpg)
[Kimono Style] Why are Kimono so Expensive?
Between the threading, the dyeing, the weaving, the sewing, and everything in between “the complexity of each step is mind boggling”, explains Sheila Cliffe. Sheila…
Japanese creator’s “green onion candy” draws praise on social media
Chitose-ame One of the traditional rites of passage for children in Japan is known as 七五三 Shichi-Go-San (literally 7-5-3). On November 15th, girls who have…
Japanese noise music soothes the soul and comforts the mind
Please note that some of the videos in this article have flashing lights. I Iike synthesizers. Something about their quirkiness, grunginess, and intensity piques the…
Milky reed diffuser lets you enjoy the scent of the classic Japanese milk candy at home
With its signature bright red color and the smiling pigtailed girl “Peko-chan” on its packaging, the candy brand Milky has been a constant in the…
Mucha Kucha Co. makes space for artists to share tea ceremonies, traditional art with the public
© PR Times, Inc. Mucha-kucha Co. announced in a recent press release that they will be managing a series of events and town hall space….