Taking a day trip out of Tokyo can be a great chance to experience a more peaceful and historic side to Japanese life. Odawara Castle…

Although the beautiful blooms of sakura and the picnics that go with them won’t happen for another few months, Japanese people usually think of Spring…

One of the most instantly recognisable characters from Studio Ghibli, No-Face or Kaonashi was a mysterious spirit that appeared in Spirited Away. You may remember…

Most anime fans have seen pictures of cars decorated in full or partial wrap-around stickers or paintwork featuring anime characters. A common sight in otaku-friendly…

Popular Japanese CD/bookstore and video rental chain Tsutaya seems to be tapping into a recent trend to appeal to bookworms and those searching for affordable…

For the last 23 years, people in Japan have turned on the evening news on December 12 (Kanji Day) to learn which “kanji of the…

Japan has no shortage of pet cafes, or shops where customers can come in an enjoy the company of cute animals while enjoying a coffee…

Violence never solves anything. The only way to settle differences is an old-fashioned, no holds barred rap battle. In a new video promoting Pokemon Ultra…

(link to Part 2) —————— Toei Kyoto Studio Park The Uzumasa area of Kyoto is often called the Hollywood of Japan. The otherwise unremarkable neighborhood…

The now annual “High School Girl Miss Contest” (Joshi Kousei Miss Contest) by Model Press, a voting based competition to decide Japan’s “cutest high school…

Ever since the first recreational vertical wind tunnel opened in Las Vegas in 1982, it has been possible to enjoy the thrill of “flying” without…

In a small town in Hiroshima called Koyaura, the third weekend of every October is the autumn festival. A festival the children of the town…

Somewhat removed from the hustle and bustle of Shibuya station, the area known as “Okushibu” continues to gain popularity for its more laid-back atmosphere, galleries…

Made famous worldwide by the fairy-tale like iOS wallpaper, people found it hard to believe such a dream-like scene really existed in the world. The…

Food on the go is nothing new in Japan. Japanese train passengers, for example, have enjoyed delicious bento boxed lunches in trains from the earliest…