The Origin of the Maneki Neko
The Maneki Neko, literally the "beckoning cat,"is a very common Japanese figurine. Although there are several possible stories behind its origin, the one revolving around Gotokuji...
When You Wish Upon a Pun
There’s a special reason why Japanese people offer ¥5 coins at temples and shrines.
Take the Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage
The Chichibu Valley is home to beautiful mountains and rivers—and a centuries-old temple pilgrimage unlike any other in Japan.
10 Ways to Improve Your Japanese with Karaoke
How do you level-up your Japanese with karaoke? First read the advice, then check out our list of 10 karaoke songs that will wow your singing partners and build your language skill...
Want to Wow Your Japanese Friends?
Learning Japanese Deeper Japan
Casually toss out these idiomatic expressions to get your Japanese acquaintances' jaws dropping.
The 11 Spookiest Spots in Japan
Whether they’re haunted, abandoned or just plain old creepy, these spots will definitely show you a chilly side of Japan you may never yet have known.
Tottori's Amazing Sand Sculpture Museum
Picture the Sapporo Snow Festival, just a little sandier.
The Bilingual Epic of a Ramen Adventurer
Brian MacDuckston has devoured more than 1,000 bowls of ramen since arriving in Japan in 2006.
World's First Snoopy Museum Opens in Tokyo
Get your dancing paws ready for a Snoopy-tastic experience in Tokyo's Roppongi district!
Grab a Piece of Ride History
Before the last 'Back to the Future: The Ride' in the world closes its doors forever, fans of the movie franchise can purchase various pieces of history!
Delivering Warm Wishes One Beef Bowl at a Time
Food & Drink Kumamoto Earthquake
Two of Japan's biggest beef bowl chain restaurants provide free comfort food in the wake of the Kumamoto earthquakes.
That's Not a Photo!
These amazing pencil-drawn portraits of celebrities are so good, you'll swear they were professionally photographed pictures! And we've got video evidence of how it's done!
Gotta Catch All the Bundled Pikachu!
Pikachu plushies snuggled up in Pokémon sleeping bags are the prizes we’ve all been waiting for!
A Helpful Guide to Healthcare in Japan
No matter where you live, it's good to have at least a general sense of how the health and medical care system works.
Essential Tips for Navigating Trains
Day-to-day transit in Japan can be confusing for the uninitiated. Don't worry! We're here to help.
8 Vital Sites when You Arrive in Japan
When you arrive in Japan as a resident, there are a number of sites you're going to need to get oriented—though some of these are great for tourists as well!
Stray Cat Samurai Comes to Life, Edits Mag
Hiroyuki Takei's manga 'Nekogahara: Stray Cat Samurai' follows a one-eyed cat samurai as he 'cuts through insolence.' The real-life version apparently cuts through split infinitive...
Every Yu-Gi-Oh! Card Ever Made in One Place
Would you believe the heart of the cards lies in the heart of Tokyo?
Turn Heads with Some Eye-Popping Accesories
This Japanese fashion designer gets rather creative with her bags and scarfs, creating bold fashion statements!
Anime Characters Are Taking Over USJ!
These three shounen manga are jumping from the page and into theme park attractions at Universal Studios Japan!
