All About Japan

Ken Shimura Rocks the Shamisen

Comedian Ken Shimura reveals a surprising skill in this video for Kirin Hyoketsu, where he's joined by Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra.

'Shinya Shokudo' Finds the Heart in Izakaya

Every day after midnight, different motley crews of characters enter a tiny eatery called Shinya Shokudo, where they share their life stories. Yet the takeaway message from each ep...

Edamame: Japan's Favorite Snack

Did you know that even edamame have a season in Japan—and that it changes based on the region? And have you ever wondered how to make edamame at home? Read on!

The Bar Just for Idol 'Wotaku'

If you're truly serious about your J-pop idol fandom, you have to head to Yokkorasho in Shinjuku.

Do Japanese Businessmen Really Drink a Lot?

For such a buttoned-up country, Japan's corporate drinking tradition is really something to behold.

4 Weirdly Themed Tokyo Izakaya

Looking to change things up for your next pub crawl? Why not grab your drinks in Japan's Warring States Period—or an elementary school classroom?

12 Vegetarian Dishes Served at Most 'Izakaya'

For vegetarians, finding a meatless meal when dinning may seem tough, but these 12 dishes are so common that they are served at almost any Japanese pub!

Otoshi: Izakaya's Compulsory Appetizer

Before heading out to an Japanese pub, you might want to read up on the infamous 'otoshi.'

Enjoy an Aomori Izakaya in Tokyo

If you are only in Japan for a limited amount of time and you can't head up to Aomori Prefecture, but are dying for a taste of the region's music and food, then head over to Haneto...

Become an Izakaya Guru with These 6 Videos

Impress your friends with your knowledge of the ins and outs of Japanese pubs and the drinks and food served at them!

5 Oldest Coffee Shops in Tokyo

Coffee culture in Japan did not necessarily have a good start, but these 5 shops somehow withstood the test of time.

Izakaya: What to Eat If You're Vegetarian

Don't let those meat-packed menus scare you! There are several tasty choices for the herbivores and health conscious out there.

7 Cheap Izakaya Chains

Want to go to an 'izakaya' but your wallet's as dry and empty as the Sahara Desert?! No worries, you can still enjoy the atmosphere of Japanese pubs on the cheap!

6 Things You Need to Know About Izakaya

Offering multiple rounds of small dishes, Japanese-style pubs, or 'izakaya,' are a little different from their Western equivalents. Here are six things you need to know to navigat...

5 Famous Izakaya Chains

Izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) are deeply entrenched in Japanese culture. Great for meeting friends, after-work drinks and client socializing, here are five of the major chains you...

Puddle: A Home Designed to Let in Rainwater

One family in Japan saw rainwater not as an unwanted intruder, but simply a part of life that, when controlled, can bring you and your home in tune with nature.

What Would Cities Look Like “Tokyo-ized”!

What would your city look like if it became a sister city of Tokyo?!

Japanese Portable Record Players Exhibition

These Japanese gadgets might be outdated, but they're definitely not forgotten!

The Perfect Rentable Guesthouse in Uji

If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto or Uji, this guesthouse is worth checking out!

A Michelin Chef's Twist on Japanese Sweets

Try traditional Japanese sweets by way of a Michelin-starred chef in New York!

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