All About Japan

Japan Gets Lit with Seasonal Illuminations

Christmas lights are a big part of the seasonal festivities in many Western countries, and Japan—without Santa Claus overtones—gets into the spirit of the season with illuminations, or grand displays of light. Read on to learn the best spots of 2016.

Every Animator's Dream Desk

This DIY project by a Japanese animator is complete with an embedded graphics tablet!

Huis Ten Bosch & Sasebo Sightseeing

Check out Kyushu's top theme park along with stunning views and fantastic food!

Peeling Back the Surface of Robot Geisha

MythBusters' Adam Savage explores Ghost in the Shell’s coolest practical effects at Weta Workshop.

Around the World in 400 Days (with a Drone)

After saving up for two years, this Japanese couple spent their honeymoon traveling the world. And after 400 days and 48 countries, here's the incredible video of their adventure, complete with spectacular aerial drone footage.

6 Cool Presents for Tech & Gearheads

Get your hands on a waterproof camera for underwater adventures—or an eco-friendly gadget that can improve your car's engine performance!

Think You're Seeing Orange? Think Again!

This mind-blowing optical illusion isn't the color you think it is.

5 Innovative Food Prep & Storage Solutions

Everyone wants to save time in the kitchen and spend more time with family and friends. These five gadgets will allow you to organize your kitchen and prepare your dishes with convenience and ease.

Never Get Lost in Shinjuku Station Again!

Stroll—or rather scroll—your way through two of the world's busiest stations.

Meet Orizuru: the First Flying Origami Crane

This folded paper bird is geared up and ready for take off!

New E-Book Has Easy-to-Read Design for Manga

Beefed-up specs and functions address the needs of Japanese comic fans.

New Nintendo: Crisper Graphics, Same Nostalgia

A new Famicom Mini commercial emulates the original 1983 Nintendo Famicom ad but with more up-to-date graphics.

Turn Rough Sketches into Digital Art

With just a push of a button you can transform any hand-drawn sketches into digital artworks.

Unique Vending Machine Selling Awesome Origami

Are you all thumbs when it comes to making your own origami? Then jet off to Ehime and purchase some uniquely designed animals and objects for less than ¥50!

Robotics Inspired by 'Ghost in the Shell'

University of Tokyo robotics engineer Takuya Umedachi is working on synthetic 'soft-body' technology capable of complex and flexible movement.

Why You Should Get a Line Pay Card Now

Are you really tired of paying those cash-on-delivery fees every time you order something online because no credit card company will accept you? If you have a Japanese phone number, the solution is right at your fingertips!

Sega’s Mega Drive/Genesis Lives Again!

This re-release of the classic 16-bit video game console won’t be manufactured by Sega, or even in Japan, but that won't stop us from buying one!

A Brief History of Japanese Timekeeping

Explore the tradition and beauty of Japanese timekeeping, from the water-based clocks of the seventh century to the app-enabled digital creations of the modern day.

Building a Better Bakery

Check out this renovated Kyoto townhouse that was turned into a cheese tart shop and tech startup.

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