Cherry blossom viewings canceled, Japanese residents turn homes into sakura sanctuaries
COVID-19 and the associated lockdowns have people down. Restaurants and bars are empty as nightlife has mostly ground to a halt. Residents have few options…
Only in Japan
Ainu My Voice – a documentary focusing on the modern-day struggles of the Ainu people
Of all the indigenous people of Japan, the Ainu are arguably the most well known amongst both the Japanese and international communities. An ancient tribe…
Corpse hotels and DIY funeral kits: advancements in Japan’s undertaking industry
Every year hundreds of professionals convene at the annual ENDEX show. Known as the life-ending industry exhibition, the conference gathers leading companies showcasing their funeral…
Paper-packed Ocean Salt Kit Kats let you fold origami sea animals and fight plastic waste
Switching to paper packaging Since 2019, Nestlé has been tackling the problem of marine plastic waste, replacing its plastic packaging with a more environment-conscious paper…
Japanese katsu chain answers takeout call with heavy duty bentos
As many in Japan get used to staying, studying, and working from home as a safety countermeasure to the coronavirus outbreak, the country is seeing…
Beloved Voice Actor Fujiwara Keiji Passes Away at Age 55
With heavy hearts, we have received word that veteran voice actor Fujiwara Keiji (藤原啓治) has passed away at age 55 just two days after the…
Chicken nuggets with Kiri cream cheese centers now at MINISTOP convenience stores
If you’re mostly staying at home these days in Japan, apart from the occasional trip to the store to stock up on food and supplies,…
Amabie monster wagashi sweets are the cutest corona-fighters yet
Amabie is popular these days in Japan, and understandably so. Rediscovered just over a month ago in the Kyoto University Rare Materials Digital Archive (see…
Turtles and other cute animals inspire bread created in celebration of Japan’s Children’s Day
Children’s Day is a holiday in Japan when people celebrate children’s happiness and wish them good health. Taking place every May 5th, it’s not uncommon…
Petite YouTuber eats sumo-sized 4000 kcal of grape jelly and chugs a 1000 kcal giant coffee
Japanese food is fantastic. After a long day of work, there is nothing like pigging out on teishoku, a set menu of Japanese cuisine. A…
Get your hands on a disease-fighting Amabie monster donut
Who knew that donuts could be the possible solution to fight off COVID-19? Since the outbreak of COVID-19, people have been trying out a variety…
Osaka hotel’s samurai helmet inspired cake gives you a sweet taste of feudal Japan
The feudal era of Japan might be long gone, but the influence of samurais is still visible in modern day Japan. From traditional armor fitted…
Make your outfit blossom with these handmade sakura mochi hats
Every year, thousands of people in Japan gather in parks during spring to appreciate cherry blossoms in a custom that’s called hanami. This year, however,…
1,400 Year Old “Red Sign” Mystery in Japan’s Sky Solved
1,400 years ago Japan was undergoing significant changes. The introduction of Buddhism into the country had led to the development of Japanese literature, art, society…
Iconic Japanese “moving ramen” display is now a capsule toy which actually moves
If you’ve been to Japan before, chances are you’ve seen a “moving ramen” display in front of a ramen shop. Ever popular among foreign tourists,…