The end to a tragic event: Kyoto Animation’s first studio building has been demolished
In July of 2019, residents and anime fans alike were shocked by the news that the world-famous Kyoto Animation studio had been the target of…
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Watch slapstick YouTuber Hikakin keep a straight face interviewing Tokyo governor Koike
Japan has its own entourage of internet celebrities and online influencers, but perhaps none are as well known as Hikakin. Famous for beatboxing and vocalized…
Prisoners Across Japan Join In Fight Against COVID-19 By Producing Face Masks
As the number of cases of COVID-19 patients continues to rise, and the nation comes to terms with new rules set about by the government…
World’s top Virtual Youtuber Kizuna AI is getting her own company
She has over 2.7 million subscribers on her top YouTube channel, she has appeared on TV shows and commercials, partnered with companies, performed as a…
Japan to give all residents the equivalent of around 930 USD for free
Japan has pledged to give 100,000 yen to every resident in Japan to lessen the economic impact of COVID-19. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe scrapped an…
Sawako Naito is now the youngest woman ever elected mayor in Japan
The Japanese government is a multi-partied affair dominated by the conservative LDP party. As we’ve reported before, politics in Japan is mostly a man’s game….
Large lines form for last order as Starbucks closes 850 stores across Japan
Following a state of emergency declared by the Japanese government and pressure from prefectural authorities, Starbucks Japan has understandably decided to close 850 of their…
Japanese health ministry approves booze for use as sanitizer
Exceptional measures As the struggle to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus continues in Japan, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has decided…
Classes held in hotel: Japanese university’s coronavirus measure questioned online
As many Japanese schools and universities move to online instruction or close campuses to avoid further coronavirus infections, one university in Ishikawa Prefecture is getting…
Mask Shortage-Induced Panic Caused Break-in at Japanese Drugstore
Due to the continuing spread of COVID-19 over the last several months, surgical masks are scarce, worrying healthcare workers treating those infected with the coronavirus….
Want Vivid Pink Sakura Indoors? Hirosaki University Researchers Might Just Make That Possible
(Juichiro Ito of the Sankei Shimbun, for JAPAN Forward) Cherry blossoms beautifully color the landscape of Japan at this time every year. Now, a research…
Japanese goods maker develops “make anything a mask” strap during mask shortage
The novel coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll around the globe, and Japan in particular has been dealing with a sickness mask shortage that has…
Japan Post to temporarily stop accepting international mail due to coronavirus
Japan Post has announced a temporary suspension of the acceptance of international mail from 126 countries for EMS and Air Mail, and for all types…
![Japan’s health ministry taps Tokyo Girls Collection for coronavirus awareness campaign [VIDEO]](https://grapeejapan.com/wp-content/uploads/TGC_corona-768x576.jpg)
Japan’s health ministry taps Tokyo Girls Collection for coronavirus awareness campaign [VIDEO]
In an effort to increase awareness of the novel coronavirus in Japan and promote correct knowledge about infection prevention measures, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Welfare…
Noodle robot dishes out soba to hungry commuters
In robot-loving Japan, automation is changing the landscape of everyday life. Robot shop clerks greet perusing customers, and automatons take latte orders. Lonely residents, on…