INTERVIEW | Hio Miyazawa Hopes ‘his’ Movie Starts LGBTQ Conversation in Japan
Yukari Tanaka for JAPAN Forward Rikiya Imaizumi, one of the leading directors in romance films, has a new movie – his. It is a sequel…
Written By : Ben K
Japan Now Sells “Shiba Inu Stuck In Wall” Toys
Back in 2016, a trio of shiba inu dogs in the southern Japanese island of Kyushu adorably peeking out from holes in a wall went…
Moomin Cafe Offers Illustrated Belgian Callebaut Chocolate Plaques for Valentine’s Day
As any good Moomin fan probably knows, in March 2019, Japan opened an entire theme park featuring everyone’s favorite Finnish trolls. One of the more…
![[Hidden Wonders of Japan] Kanazawa Carries On Edo-Era Kaga Tobi Firefighter Festival](https://grapeejapan.com/wp-content/uploads/Kagatobi_eyecatch-768x576.jpg)
[Hidden Wonders of Japan] Kanazawa Carries On Edo-Era Kaga Tobi Firefighter Festival
JAPAN Forward Sometimes, traditions have hidden histories to uncover. Other times, the origins can be surprisingly obvious and yet reveal how a traditional celebration has…
Spend A Night With The Boys of Hypnosis Mic: Tokyo Hotel Offers Themed Rooms
Ever since it launched in 2017, rap battle multimedia franchise Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle (AKA “Hypmic”) has grown in popularity, gaining fans both at…
Celebrate Go Nagai’s 50 Years As A Creator with Deluxe Stamp Set Including Holder & Postcards
If you’re a fan of legendary manga creator Go Nagai, then you probably know he’s celebrating his 50 years as a creator. Naturally, for such…
Netflix’s “Giri/Haji”: A New Kind of Anglo-Japanese Alliance
Peter Tasker, Arcus Research, for JAPAN Forward Flawed people, troubled times. Conflict in the street, conflict in the soul. Dark secrets unravel in the neon-splattered…
Hyokkame Solo Exhibition: Discover The Surreal and Kawaii World of Artistic Kigurumi Masks
If you’re visiting Tokyo this January and your interests fall somewhere within the Venn diagram of anime, manga, Japanese subculture and art, then there’s a…
The Perfect Gift For That Workaholic Friend: Sleeping Cats Encourage You To Catch Some Z’s
In Japan, as in many countries around the world, striking a harmonious work-life balance is a serious challenge. When the balance tips on the side…
Hello Kitty Collaborates with Famous Maid Cafe @home cafe in Akihabara
If you’re into anime and manga, then you’ve probably seen your share of cute characters sporting nekomimi (cat ears). You may have even seen a…
Tokyo 2020 Official Posters Include Hirohiko Araki, Naoki Urasawa; Exhibition Ongoing
On January 6th, 2020, the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Tokyo 2020) unveiled the twenty Tokyo 2020 official art posters, 12…
Get Gear Featuring Namco Bandai, Nintendo & Cave Games at Video Game Tokyo Pop Up Store
Video Game Tokyo Pop Up Store If you’re a video game fan visiting Tokyo in January and February 2020, you’ll probably be headed to Akihabara…
Nanshun Kyokudo: An American Falls in Love With Traditional Japanese Storytelling
John O’Donoghue for JAPAN Forward Nanshun Kyokudo 南春旭堂 is not your typical Sakamoto Ryoma fan. For starters, she only found out about the Japanese rebel…
Kyoto Shrine Kicks Off New Year with Match of “Kemari” Ball Game Dating from 7th Century
The ancient sport of Kemari On Saturday, January 4th, 2020, spectators assembled at the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Shimogamo Jinja 下鴨神社 shrine in Kyoto to witness…
Welcome Good Fortune with These Adorable Lucky 700 Yen Manekineko “Banknotes”
Whether you’re celebrating the beginning of a new year and a new decade, and wish to participate in the tradition upheld in Japan (and many…