Michael Jackson via Shakuhachi
Joined by a pair of brilliant koto players, professional shakuhachi player Yoshimi Tsujimoto puts an incredible Japanese-style twist on a Smooth Criminal.
Japan Sports Agency Commissioner Daichi Suzuki
Highlighting Japan spoke with the commissioner of the newly-formed agency about the development of sports policy in Japan.
Programmable Idol Robots Dance to Your Design
The robot revolution is coming, and when it arrives, they’ll have an awful lot to be mad about. Like making them dance for our amusement. Thanks, DMM.
Swipe Your Phone with a Happy Cat Tail
These smartphone gloves will keep your fingertips as happy as a kitty getting a chin rub.
Kumamoto Power Spot Looks Like Ghibli Art
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine is a mystical destination for those looking to feel the earth’s energy.
Catch His Eye with a Couples' Bento
Before dating, teenage girls may attract their love interest’s attention with a homemade lunch.
4 Businesses Inspired by the Bento Box
The bento’s sleekness, compactness, balance and visual appeal have spurred ideas for various businesses in Japan and beyond.
The Tumbler Bento: Pure Genius!
YouTuber Ochikeron assembles three very different bento-style lunches in plastic travel tumblers. What a great idea!
The Godzilla of Gyoza?!
Two ravenous reporters head to Kaguragazaka Hanten in central Tokyo, an unassuming mom-and-pop restaurant notorious for oversized menu items such as Triple Jumbo Ramen and the fear...
The BBC Investigates Bento
With some Japanese mothers admitting to spending hours each morning on their children’s lunches, how far is too far in the name of kawaii?
Japanese Schoolgirl Ninja Parkour
Urban parkour videos are nothing new, but this one took us by surprise with its kickass/kawaii protagonists and nod to the ancient martial art of ninjutsu!
Gorgeous Footage of 1940s Tokyo!
While some things have clearly changed, we’re more obsessed with how familiar everything seems.
Halal Friendly Bento in Japan
Ever think of eating bento in Japan, but had trouble finding one that's halal? Wherever you are, we've got you covered!
Surreal J-pop Bangs Sell Biscuits
Idol offshoot 5572320 (that's their name!) teams up with Yoko Kanno for a Daliesque ode to crispy snacks with a side of Bohemian Rhapsody.
Spring Rolls, Japanese Style
This recipe for spring rolls, or "harumaki," may not be authentic—or at least, not authentically Chinese. It's authentically Japanese-Chinese, or "chuuka"—Chinese dishes that were...
The Kyaraben Behind the Cover
Kyarabenist.jp works to foster a love of "kyaraben," or character bento.
Village Vanguard Star Wars Cup Clingers
Make sure you get these before they disappear into a galaxy far, far away!
The 16 Best Worst Bento Lunches Ever
Enjoy these hilarious examples of times Japanese mothers, for whatever reason, decided today just wasn't the day for their loved one to receive an elaborate lunch.
The Cheapest Bento in Tokyo?
We sent our reporter out with ¥500 and a mission: go get lunch, and bring back change. He found what he was looking for in Taito Ward.
A Brief History of Bento
Bento can be found everywhere in Japan, from convenience stores and railway stations to upscale department stores. But where did they come from?
