Japanese cat demonstrates how to appreciate a Zen garden
Zen gardens, known in Japanese as 枯山水 karesansui, create miniature landscapes out of strategically placed rocks, carefully pruned bushes, and gravel which is raked into…
Empty trains caused by COVID-19 mean changes to JR timetables in Tokyo & Kansai
COVID-19 has caused mass changes across the globe, from the rapid digitalisation of services, to the large switch from office life to remote work. One…
Discover The Invisible Child at Moomin cafes and shops this Autumn
The Invisible Child is one of the most talked about and studied short stories originating from the popular Finnish children’s book; ‘ Tales from Moomin…
Abandoned “endless temple road” tunnel in Japan is a chilling beauty
“Haikyo” is the Japanese word for “ruins”, but is often used in reference to the hobby of seeking out and exploring abandoned and sometimes even…
The pug life chooses you with this giant derpy anime pug cushion
Many of Japanese retailer Village VAnguard’s eccentric animal goods are of the wearable variety, including hats that make it appear as a cat is napping…
Nasu Kogen Rindo Lake Family Ranch pays tribute to classic anime “Heidi, Girl of the Alps”
Located three-and-a-half hours away from Tokyo, the lakeside leisure park area and family ranch at Nasu Kogen Rindo Lake is 300,000 square meters large and…
The fish that fought back: role-reversing cookie from cormorant fishing area goes viral
Sometimes, surprises come in small packages. A few days ago, Twitter user Tanabota banzai (@Ankosri) posted an unusual looking cookie along with a pamphlet from…
Isekai anime-inspired English textbook turned into light novel in Japan
Last year, Japanese public broadcaster delighted (and definitely surprised) anime fans and English learners alike by releasing a fantasy anime style English textbook simply titled…
Starbucks Japan’s syrupy “Daigaku Imo Frappuccino” uses a whole candied sweet potato
Sweet and sour sakura, chocolate chestnut, and jiggly butterscotch jelly are just some of the seasonal Frappuccino flavors Starbucks Japan has released over the years….
Cultivate your kami collection with “Spirited Away” kami figurine series
Many of those who love Hayao Miyazaki’s classic film “Spirited Away” will surely remember the enigmatic cast of spirits and supernatural beings who help Chihiro…
Japans’s popular cat-shaped cake gets miniature feline bites with “Chibineko Cheesecake”
Heart Bread Antique Bakery’s cat-shaped Neko Neko Shokupan (“neko” being the word for “cat” in Japanese, and “shokupan” being the word for fluffy, white bread)…
Cup Noodle and fittingly named U.F.O. yakisoba get approval as certified space food
Just a few months ago, popular Japanese convenience store fried chicken karaage-kun obtained approval as certified space food for those at the International Space Station….
Hajime no Ippo, Everlast, and Tokyo street fashion maker team up for boxing gear lineup
In a collaboration that makes a lot of sense, popular and long-running boxing anime and manga Hajime no Ippo will be teaming up with boxing…
Pokémon Air gives you your own inflatable Pikachu to ride around on
There’s been several attempts to recreate Pikachu as a cuddly household Pokémon pet, including plushies that transform when you wash them, finely crafted traditional Japanese…
Japan’s Moomin Stand unveil adorable pumpkin and sweet potato Halloween bubble tea for fall
Japan has become somewhat of a spiritual home for Moomin lovers thanks to plenty of awesome spots where fans of the rotund creatures can find…