A 77-Second Primer on Hatsune Miku
You've seen the turquoise pigtails and heard the synthesized voice. So what is Hatsune Miku—and how can you write songs for her to sing?
The Wedded Rocks: Meoto Iwa
These 'wedded rocks' near Ise Grand Shrine are tied to the origin story of Japan.
How Kitakyushu Brought Water to Cambodia
For more than a decade, Kitakyushu's Water and Sewer Bureau has worked with Phnom Penh's Water Supply Authority to bring sustainable, drinkable water to the people of Cambodia's ca...
5 Key Sights to See in Kobe
Kobe is a lovely, cosmopolitan city with a fascinating international past. Don't miss these top sites in Kansai's famous port city!
Subculture Fashion in Shibuya & Harajuku
Tokyo’s Shibuya and Harajuku districts have given rise to numerous fashion trends. Much of Japanese style can be grasped by examining the past and present of these districts, and t...
Float Through an Edo Goldfish Wonderland
With lanterns, cocktails and 1,000 unusual goldfish, this is the coolest place to hang out in your 'yukata' this summer.
A Delicious Way to Beat the Rainy Season Blues
Cool yourself off this June with Starbucks' new limited-edition Frappuccino that promises to be both cheesy and awesome!
Let the Beef Come to You
This restaurant in Mie Prefecture is serving cuts of premium Matsusaka beef in a rather roundabout way.
Intro to the Japanese Writing System: Katakana
Learning Japanese First Time in Japan
Let's take a look at perhaps the most puzzling type of Japanese text: 'katakana.'
High Quality Ramen Isn't Just for Restaurants
For those unable to handle lengthy lines, how about purchasing ramen designed by the world's only one-star Michelin ramen restaurant from your local convenience store?
The Amazing Wearable Robot
The world's first wearable robotic device for medical and wellness applications was developed by a professor at the University of Tsukuba.
Niigata: The 'Ricebasket' of Japan
Located on the Sea of Japan in northwest Honshu, Niigata City is one of Japan’s most fertile farming areas. But there are plenty of things to see other than rice!
Dining Out in Hiroshima
When eating out in Hiroshima, the first choice has to be Hiroshima-style 'okonomiyaki.'
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
The immaculately preserved Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is recognized as one of the most charming merchant’s quarters in all Japan. Located in Okayama Prefecture, local museu...
Sado: Isle of Gold, Sake & Natural Wonders
Sample sake, ride a tub-shaped boat, and pan for—real!—gold on Japan's sixth-largest island.
Treasures on Land, Riches from the Sea
Studded with small bays and inlets, the peninsula known as Ise-Shima—the venue for the 2016 G7 Summit—is a utopia for those seeking a glimpse of classical Japan, from the expansiv...
Time Travel in Kitakyushu
The varied history of this port town has endowed it with a unique combination of ancient castles, modern gardens, and elegant turn-of-the-century architecture.
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.
Clear Your Mind & Fill Your Stomach in Toyama
Try your hand at this Buddhist meditative activity at Oiwasan Nissekiji Temple in Toyama—then try the food!
The Ise-Shima G7 Summit Regions
10 cities around the country were selected to host ministerial meetings surrounding the 2016 G7 Summit in Ise-Shima. From education to IT and agriculture, each was selected for a v...
