All About Japan

Diletta Fabiani

Diletta Fabiani

All About Diletta Fabiani
I moved to Japan in 2013 for my Ph.D in International Relations at Waseda University. On the side, I write all kinds of things: novels in Italian, live reports on the Japanese rock and Visual Kei scene, and articles about other fun stuff you can see and do in Japan.
What I like about Japan
Tokyo is an amazing city, full of things to discover. Visual Kei concerts are my energy refill. And Japanese men are cute.
13 Budget-Friendly Tokyo Day Trips

13 Budget-Friendly Tokyo Day Trips

When we say budget-friendly, we mean it! All of these trips will cost less than ¥5,000 round-trip on Japan's extensive railway network, and will show off another unique aspect of the country.

Japanese Foods to Know Before You Go

Japanese Foods to Know Before You Go

If all you know is ramen or sushi, you're missing out on A LOT! Broaden your horizons by familiarizing yourself with these typical Japanese dishes, that way you can make the most of your time in Japan.

10 Ways to Enjoy a Rainy Day in Japan

10 Ways to Enjoy a Rainy Day in Japan

Don't let rainy weather dampen your day—there are still plenty of ways to have a good time!

10 Beautiful Snow-Themed Japanese 'Ukiyo-e'

10 Beautiful Snow-Themed Japanese 'Ukiyo-e'

'Ukiyo-e' painters depicted all facets of life, from the mundane to the most beautiful, including Edo in white!

3 Very Japanese Snow Creatures

3 Very Japanese Snow Creatures

When it comes to snow, each country has its own tradition and imagery. Here are three Japanese creatures that are associated with snow.

10 Shades of Otaku

10 Shades of Otaku

You've likely have heard the term 'otaku' thrown out around Japan. But, did you know that there is not just one, but many types of otaku?

Top 10 Songs That Are Perfect for 'Momijigari'

Top 10 Songs That Are Perfect for 'Momijigari'

How does autumn sound? Listen to our recommended playlist to find out.

2017 Autumn Foliage Forecast

2017 Autumn Foliage Forecast

It's that time of the year again! Get ready to enjoy the vividly colored autumn leaves with our 2017 fall foliage forecast.

7 Samurai Spots in Tokyo & Surrounding Areas

7 Samurai Spots in Tokyo & Surrounding Areas

Relive the Edo days with our selection of samurai-related spots in and near Tokyo... with two special bonuses!

Toto's Toilet Museum Is Flush with History

Toto's Toilet Museum Is Flush with History

This is no joke: the improbably elegant Toto Museum presents the innovative history of a device undeniably central to our lives.

Online Shopping in Japan (by JLPT Level)

Online Shopping in Japan (by JLPT Level)

JLPT surely stands for 'Just Let People Trade' right? Joking aside, we're bringing you a list of five of the best Japanese shopping websites, ranked by the level of Japanese (according to the Japanese Language Proficiency Test) needed to access them.

All You Need To Know About Sanrio Puroland

All You Need To Know About Sanrio Puroland

Does your heart flutter every time you see Cinnamoroll's fluffy ears pop up in a shop? Is Gudetama your idol and inspiration? Did you grow up surrounded by Hello Kitty merchandise? Then you simply cannot miss the Sanrio Puroland indoor park!

Get Your Fill of Food & Games at Namja Town

Get Your Fill of Food & Games at Namja Town

If you like gyoza, ice cream, cute cats, weird fishing games and frightening toilets, Namja Town in Ikebukuro is the perfect park for you!

Where to Get Cheap Beach Gear in Japan!

Where to Get Cheap Beach Gear in Japan!

Has planning your first trip to the beach left your pockets empty, yet you still need to buy... everything? AAJ to the rescue!

10 Very Unique, Very Japanese Kit Kat Flavors

10 Very Unique, Very Japanese Kit Kat Flavors

Japan is well known for its crazy Kit Kat flavors, but which are the most 'Japanese' ones?

How to Get Around (& to) Tohoku

How to Get Around (& to) Tohoku

Ready to start your trip to Tohoku? Before grabbing your luggage and putting on your shoes, you'd better plan how to move around once you’re there. We’re here to help!

A Primer on Japanese Homoerotic Manga

A Primer on Japanese Homoerotic Manga

Yaoi or Bara? GL or BL? And what about Yuri? If you're feeling confused by all the jargon, follow us through the complex world of homoerotic manga. You're in for some surprises!

History of Same-Sex Samurai Love in Edo Japan

History of Same-Sex Samurai Love in Edo Japan

Thinking about samurai conjures up images of swords, honor, battles and blood. Chances are, homosexual relationships didn't enter your mind... until now.

Guide to (Non-Osechi) Japanese Holiday Dishes

Guide to (Non-Osechi) Japanese Holiday Dishes

Heard so much about New Year's 'osechi' cuisine that you’ve become an expert yourself? Read on to discover a whole world of other holiday cuisine in Japan!

Japanese Men + Western Women = Yes? No? Maybe?

Japanese Men + Western Women = Yes? No? Maybe?

While Japanese women hooking up with Western men is relatively common in Japan, the opposite isn't seen so much. Which begs the question: Why?

know-before-you-go