Japan’s only Kendama bar tops its original craft beer with foam art for 1st anniversary
Have you heard of kendama けん玉? A traditional Japanese skill toy, kendama has a handle (ken), a pair of cups, and a ball (tama), all…
Dress like an anime heroine with new Studio Ghibli dresses
For Studio Ghibli fans, Japanese retailer Donguri Republic (Donguri Kyowakoku) is an absolute go-to for awesome merchandise inspired by the beloved animation giant. In the…
Japanese shipping service packages goods in new cute cat boxes
One of Japan’s largest delivery and courier services, Kuroneko Yamato (“Black Cat Yamato”) is no stranger to creative packaging. They previously released small truck-shaped boxes…
Popular Japanese textile maker releases beautiful yukata designs for Animal Crossing
Renowned kimono makers and textile manufacturers from Kyoto have been releasing designs modeled after their actual high quality garments in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Animal…
Color-coordinate your stationery with Kokuyo’s colorful lineup and a new web app
KOKUYO ME In October 2019, Japanese stationery brand Kokuyo launched a new lineup called KOKUYO ME, based on their concept of “Life Accessories.” The lineup…
Wakeup Call: Japan’s Smoking Problem is Bad for Health, Worse for the Environment
Robert D. Eldridge, PhD, for JAPAN Forward As readers who have lived here for any length of time will recognize, Japan has been slow to…
Detailed map shows how Japan stereotypes each prefecture
Japan has 47 prefectures, and while not 100% true, they do each have some distinct specialties, qualities, and incidents that lead to stereotypes. Japan historian…
Check out Chansey’s nine new one-of-a-kind manhole covers in Fukushima Prefecture
Pokemon manhole covers in Japan If you’ve been following Pokemon-related goings-on in Japan, you may have heard of Pokemon-themed manhole covers. If the existence of…
Take a test of courage in Japanese park’s transparent public restrooms
The idea of a see-through toilet is not exactly appealing to anyone trying to do their restroom business, but a park in Japan has implemented…
Uniqlo releases summer “Demon Slayer” T-Shirts Collection
Japanese fashion retailer Uniqlo often releases T-shirts with anime, manga, and video games. In the past they’ve released shirts with beautiful prints of “Your Name”…
Bathe like a Demon Slayer with wisteria bath and character inspired robes at Japan’s Kimetsu no Yaiba spa
After a hard day of demon slaying and having the perfect anime sister, there’s no better way to relax than a soak in a traditional…
Relics of Kanto Through Time exhibition showcases $3000 Crystalized Pikachu by Daniel Arsham in Tokyo
Daniel Arsham’s ‘iconic’ contemporary Pokemon art was first showcased earlier this year, as a motif for a line of t-shirts sold by Japanese fashion brand…
Japanese traditional sweets depicting swimming goldfish in a cooling summer scene are too pretty to eat
Japanese traditional sweets and desserts are called ‘wagashi’. With distinctly Japanese ingredients and flavours such as matcha, adzuki beans and kinako, they are completely different…
Kenshi Yonezu to perform in Fortnite’s Party Royale
There was DJ Marshmello last year, Scott Travis in April of this year, EDM celebrity DJs Dillon Francis, Steve Aoki and Deadmau5, as well as…
Rilakkuma concert themed cafe with adorable musicians popping up at Japan’s Tower Records
For lovers of Japan’s cute characters, themed cafes are the best place to find adorable food featuring all your favourites. One of the country’s most…