All About Japan

Kumamoto Earthquake Updates & Donation Info

The JNTO is providing regular updates on the situation in Kyushu following the large April 14 and April 16 earthquakes and ongoing aftershocks in the region. Check for the latest information and recommended apps; we now have donation information as well.

KO Your Smartphone with these Toy Stands

Tired of boring old smartphone stands? Why not kick it up a notch with Street Fighter II characters that battle and hold your smartphone?

Cheap & Lazy Hack for Pokémon Go

For one creative Twitter user, walking around isn't the only way to hatch Pokémon Go eggs.

How to Start with Pikachu in Pokémon Go

Now that Pokémon Go has finally hit Japan, be sure to start right. Here's the secret technique for getting your very own Pikachu right from the beginning!

Break Out Your Real-World Pokéballs!

Nintendo and Google need you to help make their new game—which allows players to catch, battle and trade Pokémon in the real world! Read on to find out how to sign up for the field test!

Charms That Will Keep Your Phone Safe!

These phone cases come embroidered with declarations of protection against ignored messages and low batteries.

10 of the Best Gift Shops in Kyoto

Kyoto is a great city to look for souvenirs, but personally, we think these 10 shops in Kyoto take the cake when it comes to bringing back a bit of Japan back home with you.

Understanding Japanese Phone Culture

Before heading off to Japan, you may want to check out these keen observations by visitors from overseas regarding Japanese smartphone etiquette.

Embarrassed Engineer Invents 'Selfie Arms'

Who needs a selfie stick, when you can use 'selfie arms'!

A Brief History of Emoji

You likely know that emoji originated in Japan, but do you know how they ended up basically everywhere in the world?

Explore Tokyo from the People First

Wouldn't you agree that it's the people behind the places that make them special? This iPhone app provides a new way to explore unique, people-first destinations in Tokyo!

Turn Your Smartphone into a Telescope!

Take pictures of the surface of the moon and planets on your smartphone with this cool new telescope add-on!

Internet on Your Phone: A Guide for Residents

In Japan, connecting your phone to the internet is almost easier as a tourist! Once you're a resident, it can quickly become a frustrating experience. However, there are several options out there, and you'll surely be able to find a suitable one.

10 Ways to Get Free Wi-Fi in Japan

While Japan may be behind other developed counties in terms of free Wi-Fi/internet access, things have gotten a lot better over the last few years. Here are some places you can go to get totally free Wi-Fi!

The Pokédrone: Really Helps You Catch 'Em All!

This upcoming product from TRNDlabs promises to make it that much easier to catch all those hard-to-reach Pokémon.

Magikarp Appears in Undignified Places

The pitifully weak Pokémon has been showing up in some embarrassing places, including one that shows a preference for a rival company’s video games.

Wi-Fi Goes Underground—at Last

Communters and tourists alike can now enjoy free Wi-Fi while riding on Tokyo's Toei Asakusa Line, with more lines to come.

No Need for Electricity with These Speakers

After playing songs with bamboo instruments, one band moves on to bamboo audio delivery that works with your smartphone.

Fashion Designed to Block Your Cell Phone

Want some time away from your cell phone? Conceptual fashion designer Kunihiko Morinaga has designed a line of clothing specifically intended to block electromagnetic waves, protecting us from the storm of information that inundates our lives.

How to Use Lawson Free Wi-Fi

How do you make a convenience store even more convenient? By providing free Wi-Fi to your patrons, that's how!

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