All About Japan

Fugaku Reigns as World’s Fastest Supercomputer

Riken institute said Japan’s Fugaku remains the world’s fastest supercomputer in international rankings released twice a year.

Trees on Trees on Trees: Cedar Platforms

Have you ever seen a tree growing atop another? Come learn why this cool and ancient technique encourages proper forestation.

Worship Your Feline Friend with Its Own Shrine

Your cat already walks around like a god of the house, so why not get a cardboard shrine to show your true devotion.

Get Your Hands on the Ultimate Hand-Drawn Maze

The artist called Papa has once again picked up his pen in an attempt to outdo himself, creating one of the most challenging yet beautiful mazes we've seen.

Turning Fashion Trash to Functioning Treasure

A Japanese designer has created a stunning, yet functioning chair that's made entirely from excess fabric from the fast fashion industry.

App Improves Communication Hindered By Masks

An app is helping to facilitate communication in the new normal for the hearing impaired, the elderly, and people who speak different languages.

Sharp Unveils Fog-Free Face Shields

Electronics firm Sharp has developed face shields that do not fog up or glare like conventional products do.

Honda to Sell World 1st Level 3 Automated Car

Honda Motor plans to start selling the world’s first commercially available Level 3 automated cars by the end of March 2021. Level 3 vehicles can drive autonomously by detecting the environment around them, not needing driver input.

Tech That Measures Congestion in Indoor Areas

Officials tested a system at Tokyo Dome that uses state-of-the-art technology to measure congestion in indoor arenas.

2020's Kanji of the Year Revealed

As he does every December 12, the head abbot of Kiyomizudera Temple took his usual place in front of a blank board on the site’s famous balcony, raised a large brush, and began the strokes that revealed the top character for 2020.

Tokyo's Stunning 'Mizuhiki' LED Christmas Tree

One of the most modern and innovative designs we've seen this year for Christmas trees features the traditional craft of 'mizuhiki' hand-twisted cords.

A Musical Scale to Maintain Social Distance

A mural by Eisuke Tachikawa is helping visitors to the Minato Mirai Hall stay socially distant while possibly getting the first few notes of Erik Satie’s Gymnopédie stuck in their head.

Rebranding the Historic Izumo Taisha Shrine

Creative director Yu Yamada and art director Kishino Shogo worked with Izumo Taisha to modernize the crests and symbols of the shrine.

Ceramics Workshop Designed by Kengo Kuma

Star architect Kengo Kuma puts his signature stamp on yet another building with this ceramics museum and workshop in Komatsu.

Enliven Your Senses with Scented Paints

For all those who took up painting as a therapeutic way to pass the pandemic, now you can take it up a notch with scented paints called Kanogu.

Hayabusa2 Returns with Asteroid Samples

Japan’s Hayabusa2 space explorer brought 5.4 grams of substances believed to be from the asteroid Ryugu on a capsule that returned to Earth earlier this month.

The Great Wave of Lego Bricks

Japan’s only certified professional Lego block builder pays homage to one of Japan's most influential woodblock prints with this epic Lego masterpiece.

Osaka Contest for Mini-Gardens on Small Trucks

The Kei-tora Gardening Contest has chosen its winner for 2020. Click to see which mini-truck garden received to top prize.

Artist Makes 3D Sculptures of Strange Pet Pics

For one artist, scrolling past cute viral pics of animals is enough to inspire crafting sculptures that imagine new creatures.

Eye-Catching Pieces from ArtKyoto 2020

ArtKyoto is back and we've got the scoop on some of the coolest artworks on exhibit this year.

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