Michael Kanert
Useful Japanese Toilet Expressions
It's best to know enough of the local language to navigate to the nearest lavatory!
The Ninja Guide to Japanese-Style Toilets
The secret to ninja stealth may lie in the daily need to squat.
Shimajiro Teaches Potty Protocol
This remarkably frank anime clip walks perschoolers through the different signs of potty time.
12 Reasons Why Japanese Bathrooms Are the Best
Adorable Aiko from "Life Where I'm From" outlines her very scientific reasons why Japanese bathrooms are second to none. She has us convinced!
Funassyi's Toilet Cleaning Time
Funassyi spends more time playing than cleaning, which is all the better for our amusement anyway.
A Grumpy Tour of Mount Takao
It's less than an hour from Shinjuku to Takaosanguchi Station, where a very steep chairlift awaits.
Serene Autumn Leaves in Oirase Gorge
Travel down one of Aomori's most beautiful spots at the best time of year.
AMA: The Stars of Funimation's Dragon Ball Z
The two leads from Funimation's dubs of Dragon Ball Z wax on the series' development and the challenges of screaming for ten minutes at a time.
Shironuri Makeup Tutorial
Shironuri—literally, "painted in white"—is a Harajuku fashion style that's been almost singlehandedly revived by a young makeup artist who goes only by the name of Minori.
Tokyo Aims for the World's Cleanest Halloween
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu comes out in support of the "Let's Gomi Zero" campaign.
How to Create Halloween in Elementary School
With a little (okay, a lot of) preparation, an enthusiastic teacher can make Halloween real in a way no explanation could ever hope to match.
The Bento Album
The first female hip-hop artists to enter the Oricon top ten, Halcali celebrate their greatest hits with a bento.
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.
Mao Asada Goes Kung-fu Against the Common Cold
Japan's darling figure skating champion faces herself in a Matrix-style rumble for cold medicine.
How to Handle Your Tattoos in the Onsen
Many onsen ban tattoos, and even among Japanese young people, a little over 60 percent still don't favor allowing them in the bath. But there's no need to fear: We've compiled some solid tips on how to enjoy the water.
The Real Spirited Away Onsen
Remember the red bridge and layered, rising walls of Yubaba’s hot spring hotel in Spirited Away?
Japanese-style Onsen Around the World
Sure, hot springs can be found all over the world—but onsen are unique to Japan. Or are they?
A Guide to Onsen Water Types
All water isn’t the same. Every natural spring passes through layers upon layers of rock that can give the water a unique chemical makeup said to have a variety of health effects depending on the mineral content of the water.
Adorable Capybara Hot Springs
Snow monkeys aren’t the only ones getting in the water in the winter.
Stand Your Phone in a Ramen Bowl
Want to really confuse your neighbor at the local ramen shop? Set one of these bowls up on the counter while you slurp and watch the double-takes ensue.
