Akutagawa Prize Winner Li Kotomi: Updating the Face of Japanese Literature One Novel at A Time
With her novel Higanbana ga Saku Shima 彼岸花が咲く島 (“Island Where the Autumn Equinox Flowers Bloom”), Li Kotomi is the first person since 2008 whose first…
Only in Japan
Cute and Cuddly Chiikawa hosts cafe event at shopping malls across Japan
It’s no secret that Japan is flush with cute characters. If you’ve spent any time in the country, you know that nearly every business comes…
Over 70 types of food & beverages! New style Japanese café is now open in Tokyo!
Omotesando is one of the most fashionable and exciting neighborhoods of Tokyo. There are many luxury brand stores, popular cosmetics shops, very fancy wedding venues….
‘Cells at Work!’ merchandise pop-up shop set to open in Shibuya, Tokyo
2021 saw the airing of Cells at Work!’s second anime season. The hit series shows anthropomorphized versions of human cells, and provides an accurate yet…
Japanese printing company’s witty business cards reveal the smile behind your mask
The inconvenience of hidden faces For those who have jobs involving frequent meetings and exchanging business cards, one of the many inconveniences brought about by…
![The current state of dagashi: What Japan is losing along with its dagashi shops [News Crossing]](https://grapeejapan.com/wp-content/uploads/dagashi_wn_top-768x576.jpg)
The current state of dagashi: What Japan is losing along with its dagashi shops [News Crossing]
By Nozomi Matsukawa 松川希実, withnews As people’s lifestyles change, nostalgic dagashi* “penny snacks” are disappearing one by one. What is the meaning of dagashi in…
![Dagashi review: We tried 7 flavors of Umaibō, Japan’s top “tasty stick” snack [News Crossing]](https://grapeejapan.com/wp-content/uploads/Umaibo_top-768x576.jpg)
Dagashi review: We tried 7 flavors of Umaibō, Japan’s top “tasty stick” snack [News Crossing]
Umaibō: Japan’s beloved “tasty stick” Since 1979, Umaibō うまい棒 has been a household name in Japan. Literally meaning “tasty stick,” the snack brand made by…
![Dagashi discoveries: Japan’s “penny snack” culture [News Crossing]](https://grapeejapan.com/wp-content/uploads/dagashi-768x576.jpg)
Dagashi discoveries: Japan’s “penny snack” culture [News Crossing]
Far from worthless The first time I stepped into a dagashi (“penny snack”) shop, I was driven by curiosity. I was on my way to…
Kawaii Sōmen noodles in colorful box with art by Sebastian Masuda, Japan’s “Father of Kawaii”
Kawaii Company is a new collaboration project between Felissimo, a direct marketing company known for fashion and miscellaneous products, and Sebastian Masuda, who has been…
Domino’s Japan serves up the definitive taste of Japan with 4-flavor Nippon pizza
Tokyo has just doubled down on coronavirus measures with its 4th state of emergency. The people are housebound and hungry. Domino’s Japan is here for…
MUJI Reimagines Traditional Living Spaces
The Japanese retail company MUJI is known for their minimalist aesthetic style. But did you know that they also have a real estate division? MUJI…
Glico’s New Website Supports Health, Offers Free Events With Pro Athletes
For those concerned about lack of exercise due to telecommuting and self-restraint measures: Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. launched its online “Sports Park” website on July…
Which Pokémon shares its special day with the 4th of July?
Can you guess which Pokémon shares its special day with the 4th of July? It’s none other than Miyazaki Prefecture’s very own mascot Pokémon, Exeggutor!…
New t-shirts let you keep your favorite Sanrio characters in a pouch on your belly
If you’re a big fan of Sanrio and want to keep your favorite character’s plushies with you at all times, one Japanese fashion brand has…
Candy, Cookies and Catnip: Japan’s Rock Queens Shonen Knife Cut Deep at 40th Anniversary Concert
The all-girl band paints their music with a brush so vivid, in colors so delightfully saturated, and with an innocent purity that is so infectious,…