A hot spring with a view: Izu weekend hideaway offers discounted “girls only” deal
At this time of year, what could be more welcome than a long soak in a hot bath? Kisshō Caren (吉祥 Caren) is a ryokan…
Only in Japan
Extreme Isolation in Japan: Hikikomori Shut-Ins and Kodokushi Solitary Deaths
Japan is a group-oriented society where harmony and consensus are vital. Despite an emphasis on the group, the number of residents suffering from extreme isolation…
Fewer kids, more tourists: abandoned elementary school near Narita Airport becomes a hotel
Like many developed world countries, Japan has a very low birth rate. The population is shrinking by 500,000 people every year. As a result, schools…
Shibuya’s “Green Frog” train carriage to be moved to the birthplace of Hachiko
The old green train car that currently rests outside of the Tokyo Metro network’s busiest station, Shibuya, is being moved to the birthplace of Tokyo’s…
Ninjas on the Court: The Fantastic Freestyle Basketball Performance of Ninja Skill Ballerz
Freestyle basketball performance group Ninja Skill Ballerz created a sensation in 2008 with their first video “Ninja x Basketball?” demonstrating the high skill level of…
Swati hand care cream uses ‘five star’ traditional Japanese ingredients
At this time of year, hands, fingers, and nails are prone to becoming parched and distressed, especially in Japan, where the air is particularly dry….
These Japanese Castles are Best for Sakura Viewing
By Galileo Ferrari, JAPAN Forward Japan’s castles are very popular for both inbound and outbound travelers as a source of relics of the past for…
-23C Frozen Baumkuchen is the coolest White Day gift this year
Now that Valentine’s Day is over in Japan, those who received chocolates or other nice gifts are beginning to think about what to give back…
Boba tea stand Metcha Matcha has a sensational strawberry lineup for Spring
As we’ve seen before on grape Japan, boba tea stand Metcha Matcha prides itself on its delicious drinks and desserts which blend the delights of…
Japanese Government Announces COVID-19 Criteria for Deciding When to Consult a Doctor
The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Japan continues to grow, not only in the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship docked…
Go-kart company ordered to rebrand and to pay 50 million yen in damages to Nintendo
Super popular street go-karting company MariCar has been ordered to pay 50 million yen in damages to the well-known video game franchise Nintendo and has…
Square Enix Releases Final Fantasy VII Remake Opening Trailer Movie
Square Enix just released the full opening trailer movie to the much anticipated Final Fantasy VII Remake a little while ago. For anyone who was…
Rui Hachimura lends his likeness to a new collection of stationery items
Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura is a hot property both on and off court, and particular in his native country, Japan. With endorsements from Nissin…
Discover The Creativity And Variety of Japanese Masks at The 8th Tokyo Mask Festival
From Noh masks, traditional fox masks and devil masks to contemporary mask creations like realistic animal masks and kigurumi masks, not to mention masked idols,…
Two-For-One Ramen for Pairs on Valentine’s Day at Ippudo Ramen Shops Nationwide
Are you a ramen lover spending Valentine’s Day in Japan this year? If you’re here with your Valentine or just looking for a good deal…