This city was saved by ninjas during lockdown
2020 was supposed to be a great year for Japan, with the inbound economy expected to rise due to large scale events planned across all…
Only in Japan
Perfect Pokemon Centre gifts to buy your dad this Father’s Day
Is your dad the very best? Like no dad ever was? Well, then he deserves only the best this Father’s Day. And what could be…
Japan’s Barbie Licca-chan wears face mask, rides Licca Eats scooter, uses self-checkout
In the post-pandemic “new normal” of self-quarantining and social distancing, doll makers have also been stepping up to the plate to make dolls that reflect…
McDonald’s Japan teases beef burger gathering – a summertime campaign menu
As part of a limited-time campaign from June 24th, McDonald’s Japan will be releasing three of the world’s most popular beef burgers to their Japan…
The Complicated Concept of Suicide in Japan
As many are aware, Japan has a notably high suicide rate. While it is far from the world’s highest-risk nation in the world, or even…
Akomeya Tokyo conjures up “cakeygori”: cake-like kakigori shaved ice creations
Technically, most of Japan is still in the rainy season, but with temperatures already passing 30 C (86 F) in much of the country, there’s…
Fighting for The Rights of The Disabled in Japan
Recently, the situation for Japanese people with disabilities seems to be improving. Disabled candidates Sawako Naito, (who has M.S.), Eiko Kimura (cerebral palsy), and Yahuhikio…
Casio G-Shock watches coming out in Dragon Ball Z and One Piece special editions
Two of the biggest international anime franchises are getting the Casio G-SHOCK treatment this summer. Both models are based on the GA-110 series. With its…
Dangerously delicious Wasabeef fries return to Gusto family restaurants, takeout and delivery
Where’s the Wasabeef? Those who visited a Gusto family restaurant last year may recall the Wasabeef fries on the menu. In fact, we’d be surprised…
Original kanji contest is a chance to leave your mark on the Japanese language
An abundance of kanji Although most Japanese people only use a few thousand kanji in their daily lives—six thousand if they’re very knowledgeable—that’s only a…
Studio Ghibli fans help you beat the summer heat with Totoro and other iconic characters
Summer is upon us, and that means people in Japan are now in a battle against the season’s heat. If you’re a fan of Studio…
Collectable Demon’s Blade Candy is Kimetsu No Yummy
Now that the first season of demon-slaying anime Kimetsu no Yaiba has ended, fans are craving the same sense of satisfaction gained from watching the…
Historical Japanese Sword ‘Kotetsu Katana of Kondo Isami’ Discovered
(Paul Martin, for JAPAN Forward) After more than 250 years of rule, the Tokugawa government’s power had begun to wane. The Japanese people had been…
Kyoto University scientists create mini bronchi to test COVID-19 drugs
A team of researchers in Japan who have been studying COVID-19 and how it affects the lungs, have successfully created scaled-down bronchi which they hope…
Elegant leather hand fan case with clip is a smart way to stay cool this summer
In Japan, using a fan to cool off in summer is a common sight. They are neither limited to ceremonial usage nor are they used…