Japan Trends
Virtual Reality Made Real in Odaiba
Want to fight zombies in a VR warehouse? Head on down to Odaiba!
President Obama to Make History in Hiroshima
On May 27, President Barack Obama is set to become the first sitting American president to visit Hiroshima.
Get a Good Whiff of Sakura-Infused Beer
Even beer companies are getting on the cherry blossom bandwagon with products like this aromatic 'sakura' beer. We'll drink to that!
'Furoshiki' Shoes will Ensconce Your Feet
These wrap-around shoes have been inspired by traditional Japanese 'furoshiki' wrapping cloths, which were historically used to carry things like clothing or bento. But when you put them on your feet, they can carry you wherever you want to go!
Japan's Only Fashion Mag for Larger Men
Debuting in October 2015, Mr. Babe is Japan's first fashion and lifestyle magazine designed specifically for 'chubby' (or 'pocchari') men—which in Japan means men with a body mass index of over 25.
Feed the Fish in Your Own Digital Aquarium!
Hook this digital aquarium up to your smartphone and you kids can scan in their own hand-drawn aquatic life!
Robot Ballerina or Cute Toy?
These adorable electronic floor-cleaning devices blur the line between cleaning products and toys—as your cat will surely demonstrate!
Tomy's Talking Sheep Robot is a Real Cutie!
OHaNAS is a cute, white, sheep-like talking robot that can play music and answer your questions. Think Siri, but adorable.
Mix it Up with a Musical Kendama
Made in collaboration with DJ Koo, this musical kendama toy lights up and makes DJ sounds when you successfully catch the ball.
Japan's 6 Weirdest RC Toys
Radio-controlled centipedes, anyone? No? How about a cockroach? Or a tissue box?
We Wish You a Cosplay Christmas
Following the first truly mass-scale success of Halloween in Shibuya in 2014, a number of revelers decided to carry on the cosplay tradition at Christmas.
And You Thought Kyary Was Weird!
Hamada Bamyu Bamyu is a comedy act parodying Kyaru Pamyu Pamyu. His first single is appropriately entitled, "What the heck?"
A Dynamic Guide to Japan's Most Exciting City
"Tokyo Totem, A Guide to Tokyo" is a guidebook-slash-pop-essay text focusing on the many angles and interpretations of Japan’s capital city.
Use Penmanship to Help You Stand Out in Japan
Bestselling books and apps prove that handwriting is still a vital skill in the digital age.
Shodo Robot Combines Technology with Tradition
Watch a robot that can perform the delicate art of Japanese calligraphy.
Who Wants to Play With Katakana Transformers!
These plastic toys are shaped like the names of animals written in katakana—which then transform into the actual animals they represent!
Using Carbon Fibers for Earthquake Reistance
Unveiled on November 13, 2015, Kengo Kuma's three-story "fa-bo" has been billed as the world’s first use of carbon fibers as earthquake-resistant material.
Nightmare Before Christmas Face Packs
A costume that's good for your skin? Well, not quite.
