Itohkyuemon’s most luxurious matcha ice-cream bars are perfect for summer!
The traditional tea house of Itohkyuemon, located in the city of Uji, Kyoto, specializes in excellent tea blends. Once again, it has exceeded my expectations…
Only in Japan
Learn the lost art of the Ainu language
Like other indigenous groups, the Ainu people of Hokkaido and the north-eastern Honshu island of Japan have experienced marginalization. After the Japanese government annexed their…
Untouched deliveries and stand-in baseball fans: Japanese robotics join COVID-19 fight
If you’re an avid reader of Grape Japan, you’re well aware that Japan is experiencing a robot renaissance. According to the World Robotics – Industrial…
High-energy performers shred on the traditional Japanese instrument the shamisen
You gotta love music. Whether its spacey ambient kankyo ongaku, relaxing jazz progressions from the 1970s, or a seven-hour kawaii danceathon, there’s nothing like the…
Japan pressures China over Uighur crackdown while residents support the Muslim minority
We recently covered the Ainu indigenous people of Japan. We looked at their traditional music as well as “Ainu My Voice,” a short-film following Rie…
3-D art bubbly Hello Kitty glasses will make your drinks and desserts kawaii
Artistic glass and cup designer Goodglas Japan has gained quite the fanbase lately due to their creative bubbly 3D-art glasses, which use handmade blown double…
Kyoto matcha maker & “macho” tofu brand collaborate on soymilk soft-serve ice cream
The hot summer months are upon us, and that means its the perfect season for ice cream. If you happen to live in the Kyoto…
Satomi Ishihara exclusive interview Summer 2020 “Unsung Cinderella: Midori, The Hospital Pharmacist”
Note: This text is reproduced verbatim and provided courtesy of © Fuji Television Network, Inc. Satomi Ishihara is now playing a leading role in Fuji…
Throat drops feature Japanese “ai” indigo, traditionally used as blue dye and healthy tea
There’s no mistaking its beautiful, vivid blue hues. Fondly referred to as “Japan Blue,” clothing and accessories soaked in Japanese indigo dye (藍 ai in…
Experience the traditional delights of Japanese summer nights at Suzumushi Cafe
For those who live in the Tokyo area, the novel coronavirus pandemic has put limits on summer vacation plans. Many residents do not wish to…
Kuromi and My Melody collaboration cafe with Egg & Spuma returns this summer
Some of our readers may recall that popular cafe EGG & SPUMA, known for their Sanrio collaboration menus, had done their final collaboration last year….
Imagine getting a love letter from Re:Zero’s Rem or Ram with Japan Post goods lineup
As many of those who enjoyed the anime series Re:Zero Starting Life in Another World breathe a sigh of relief now that the long-awaited second…
Tapista’s tropical boba parfaits feature Alphonso mangoes, bananas and dragonfruit
Tapista serves delicious high-quality boba tea drinks inside shops with a “cute and girly” interior based on a “French diner” theme. Featuring special homemade tapioca…
Why are fruit and vegetables in Japan so expensive?
The price of fresh fruit and vegetables in Japan is a real shocker. In the case of fruit, it’s commonplace to hear people say that…
Japanese PC retailer releases Hatsune Miku-themed PC parts and accessories
Tsukumo is a brand that’s familiar to the PC and gaming enthusiasts of Japan. They’re headquartered in Akihabara and are one of the biggest retailers…