The discreet charm of Japan’s anti-smoking campaign
In common with other countries, the number of smokers in Japan is in steady decline. Currently, around 28% of Japanese men and 9% of Japanese…
To Osaka Resident Misty Fujii, Black Lives Matter is Personal
John O’Donoghue, for JAPAN Forward Where are you from? This is a question often asked of foreign residents in Japan. While it can get repetitive,…
Kento Yamazaki to star in film adaptation of Heinlein’s SF classic “The Door into Summer”
Kento Yamazaki is a popular actor and model known for playing L in the Death Note TV drama series, as well as playing the lead…
Photographer captures breathtaking floating flowers in purifying fountain at Japanese temple
Fukuoka-based photographer Masashi (@masashi_photos) often shares his beautiful photography on Twitter. The photos he recently took at Dazaifu-tenmangu, a temple in Dazai city, Fukuoka prefecture,…
Cat-themed car accessories by Japanese company can make your drive so much cuter
Japan has a great love for cats, and it definitely shows. There’s a wide array of cute but practical cat-themed items available in the country…
How The Japanese Economic Miracle Came to an End
In his book “Princes of the Yen,” economist Richard Werner explains the far-reaching influence and control that central banks wield over the future of a…
Sushi restaurant serves up shrimp with anti-plague demon’s blessing
The world has been in chaos ever since the outbreak of novel corona virus (Covid-19) started in January 2020. In Japan, they shifted the state…
Wedding etiquette in Japan: Things you should know when attending a Japanese wedding
This year, I have been invited to my Japanese friend’s wedding that unfortunately, due to the pandemic, had to be rescheduled. I remember panicking a…
Delicious options for Plant-based and Vegan snacks and sweets in Japan
In Japan, vegan-friendly options are still in minority. However, recently you can see more vegan products in convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants, etc. Tokyo, especially, has…
Enjoy summertime in Japan at the Popular Resort Rusutsu in Hokkaido Prefecture
The Rusutsu resort in Hokkaido has been very well-known for winter activities and during the wintertime, many people go there for skiing/snowboarding. However, did you…
Things to do at Japan’s landmark, Tokyo Dome City: Attractions, Gourmet and Baseball Guide
Tokyo Dome City is one of the spots you shouldn’t miss if you are visiting Tokyo. Besides watching a good baseball game, you can also…
Japan Travel Guide: Shiroi Koibito “White Lover” Theme Park in Hokkaido Prefecture
Shiroi Koibito(白い恋人) is translated as “White Lover” and it is one of Hokkaido’s most popular souvenirs to buy. The famous souvenirs look similar to European…
A guide to Japanese Fashion and Cosmetics magazines
Unlike some other countries, Japan still has avid readers of magazines and I believe the reason for that is the many tips, various styles, and…
Japan Travel Spots: Where to see the most Idyllic Ajisai (Hydrangea) Scenery around Japan
Ajisai(紫陽花) means hydrangea in Japanese and the best time you can see these colorful and amazing flowers is from late May to early August, depending…
Japan Gourmet Guide: Recommended Doughnut shops in Tokyo
Doughnuts are widely loved by many people because they are easy to hold, go well with coffee and tea, are adorable, and most important, delicious!…