Survey finds that 65% of Japanese now spend their weekends at home
A survey of leisure time activities has found that 65% of Japanese people don’t go anywhere at the weekend. The survey, which was conducted by…
![Sleepy cat patiently gives owner not so subtle hints that its time for bed [manga]](https://grapeejapan.com/wp-content/uploads/sleepycatfin-768x576.jpg)
Sleepy cat patiently gives owner not so subtle hints that its time for bed [manga]
Most people don’t like a lonely night. As winter approaches throughout the northern hemisphere, the importance of a good snuggle is increasingly paramount. And this…
Shibuya eatery introduces delicious and warming wild boar hotpot
With November just around the corner, and autumn nights drawing in, now is the time Japanese diners start to think about tucking into a tasty…
Mochi ice cream cheese melt toast is the sweet, chewy snack you’ll want to try at least once
Frozen desserts featuring ice cream wrapped in mochi are popular in many countries of the world. In the United States, Mikawaya invented “mochi ice cream”…
Potty Trained Cat Surprises Owner – And Why You Shouldn’t Flush Cat Poop
Motimaru is a Scottish Straight, almost one year old, and well-pampered by his owner (@catmotimaru) who faithfully documents his daily happenings on SNS. One video…
Office in ski resort gondola aims to strike winning work-ski balance
In a Japanese first, a gondola at the Risonare Yatsugatake ski resort in the mountains of Yamanashi prefecture has been converted into a private office,…
A psycho-geographical day trip to the Koppakatsu execution grounds
Of the three execution grounds of Edo-era Tokyo, the busiest was Koppakatsu. It is said that 100-200,000 criminals were beheaded at Koppakatsu during the Tokugara…
CHIME FOR CHANGE’s Zine on feminism, gender and self expression issues in Japan
CHIME FOR CHANGE gathers together the voices of those who are aiming to achieve gender equality and a stronger community. In their latest issue, the…
Warm drinks and fluffy pancakes arrive at Tully’s to keep you warm this winter
As the days get longer, there is a cold crisp chill in the air that can only be suppressed with the embrace of a piping…
Elusive Japanese crane family sighted for first time in 130 years at Lake Utonai
Admirers of Japanese wildlife will be happy to hear about the confirmed arrival of a red-crowned crane chick at Lake Utonai Sanctuary. The announcement confirms…
Restoring an ancient pilgrimage pathway in Northern Kyōto – the old Miyazu Kodō
Japan. A country dominated by anime, sushi trains and futuristic technology…or so the novice Japan lover is led to believe. In reality, the neon-lit lives…
A community’s touching reaction when an older shop owner has to take time off
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the best and the worst out of people. While we have seen some less-than-inspiring incidences during the outbreak, you’d be…
![Club host regrets yelling at a child in front of a shape-shifting raccoon dog [manga]](https://grapeejapan.com/wp-content/uploads/raccoondogfin-768x576.jpg)
Club host regrets yelling at a child in front of a shape-shifting raccoon dog [manga]
Japan has no shortage of superstitious symbols. Like in other cultures, residents have traditionally attributed mythical qualities to various animals and their representations. Maneki neko,…
Higanbana: Various meanings of the red spider lily and where to view it in Japan
Many of you might be familiar with the crimson flowers because of anime. Popular series such as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Hell Girl, or…
How to find out if a murder took place in your new apartment or neighborhood!
I have moved recently to a new apartment, and in my search of buildings and properties to fulfill my requests, a dear friend thought of…