Spacey Ambient Japanese Music of the 1980s
My first introduction to the gentleness of Japanese music was from the SNES—AKA Super Famicom—game Pilot Wings. I don’t know if you remember, but in…
Only in Japan
Who will become Okinawa’s next top model? You decide!
Every year in the height of summer, the MODECON Resort in Okinawa modeling competition takes place. The contest offers young women in Okinawa and Kyushu…
Fujitsu’s futuristic Cómodo gear is a wearable AC unit with biometric sensing & monitoring
Wearable AC gets cool You may have already seen wearable cooling gadgets before. The concept isn’t new. Using either small fans, sometimes combined with water…
Shikake Tegami Service: The illustrated love letter and a great gift for your beloved one
During these hard times, it is important to stay strong and remember to send our thoughts and feelings to those dear to us. In Japan,…
SNS Fans Do a Double Take: The End of Legendary Site Mixi—Well, Not Quite
The social media landscape is a little different in Japan than in other countries. While smartphone penetration is nearly ubiquitous and internet accessibility is notably…
Get your matcha fix with Garrett Popcorn Japan’s 4X strength Matcha Kinako Walnut mix
Garrett Popcorn Shops definitely has its fans in Japan. Since they opened their first stand in the popular Harajuku neighborhood of Tokyo in 2013, the…
Marie from The Aristocats version of therapy robot has white fur and pink ribbon
As we introduced before in grape Japan, Qoobo, designed by Yukai Engineering, is a “tailed cushion that can heal your heart,” and is marketed as…
Pac-Man sake lineup celebrates video game legend’s 40th anniversary
Japanese roots Although it gained international fame and turned into a cultural phenomenon, some people forget that Pac-Man is a Japanese creation, developed in 1979…
A guide to Doraemon’s secret tools and gadgets with similar functions
There is a variety of gadgets that appear in the popular manga Doraemon written by Fujiko F. Fujio. Not only are there a few himitsu…
Okinawan Governor Seeks to Back Anti-hate Laws with Criminal Punishments
Japanese citizens are by and large peace-loving and tolerant. The vast majority obey the law, protect group consensus, and avoid rocking the boat. Nevertheless, in…
Studio Ghibli adds 6 new designs to embroidery brooch collection
Donguri Republic, a store specialising in Studio Ghibli gifts and souvenirs, is adding 6 new brooches to their “Full of Ghibli” embroidery brooch collection at…
Inside Doraemon’s Museum: A visit to the Fujiko F Fujio Museum in Kawasaki City
Fujiko F Fujio is the pen name of the manga artists duo that brought to life one of Japan’s most beloved characters, Doraemon, the robot…
One Piece teams up with popular snack Umaibō for a cheesy “treasure map” treat
Umaibō, the popular 10-yen stick-shaped corn puff snack which has been a kids’ favorite since 1979, is known for having many zany flavors. Spicy brined…
Japanese beef bowl chain celebrates “Meat Day” with all star yakiniku bowl
In Japan, restaurants will often celebrate the 29th of the month as “Meat Day” because in Japanese, two is “ni” and nine can be pronounced…
Kyoto pop icon and Harajuku fashion leader Asachill captured in photobook by M. Kato, influential J-pop artist photographer
Kyoto pop icon Asachill Some of our long-term grape Japan readers may recall model, singer, artist, Harajuku fashion leader and Kyoto pop icon Asachill. We…