All About Japan

'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 episode of this manga and TV show can be remarkably profound.

Perfume — Interview

One of the hottest pop acts in Japan, Perfume has released five albums, performed around the world, and in 2015 celebrated their 15th anniversary—and none of the group’s three members has hit 30 yet!

Samurai Sword Fighting & Kimono in Osaka

Ever wanted to change into a samurai or ninja and learn sword fighting techniques? Practice the moves before performing a fight scene with a professional taking the supporting role!

The Pokédrone: Really Helps You Catch 'Em All!

This upcoming product from TRNDlabs promises to make it that much easier to catch all those hard-to-reach Pokémon.

Japanese Portable Record Players Exhibition

These Japanese gadgets might be outdated, but they're definitely not forgotten!

Government Safety Guide for Pokémon Go

The Japanese government has some surprisingly practical advice for safe yet satisfying Pokémon Go adventures.

Outsu House: An Ode to Comfiness

A familyin Japan makes “comfy house” the keyword for the design of their new home.

Gotta Catch'em All... at McDonald's?!

Pokémon Go has officially launched in Japan along with the announcement that 'Pokéstops' and 'gyms' are now located in the nearly 3,000 McDonald’s stores around Japan.

Surreal Acrylic Paintings of Animals as Bonsai

Check out these mosaic acrylic paintings by Japanese artist Takumi Kama.

Can You Survive Aomori's Summer Stove Train?

Looking for a steamy train experience? Head up to Aomori for a stove train that's heated to 50°C in the middle of summer!

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.

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?

Japanese Baker Reveals Beautiful Bread Art

Using a combination of all-natural ingredients, this talented creator colors beautiful and intricate illustrations for loaves that are as cute as they are delicious!

Tokyo Dirt-Cheap Clothes Shopping Tour

You're in Tokyo and you want to buy clothes, but you've already spent all your money on tech gadgets, anime figurines and weird items? Then this article is for you!

Tetsuya Komuro Debuts New 5-Girl Group DefWill

Tetsuya Komuro, the legendary producer behind Namie Amuro, Globe, Tomomi Kahala and other ground-breaking J-pop artists, is now putting his star-making power behind new girl group DefWill.

4 Textile Companies from the Old School

Textiles are vital to modern day-to-day life. Here are four companies that draw on more than half a century of experience to produce everything from silk to high-end yarn.

Cheap Kimono Rental & Dressing in Kyoto

Spice up a trip to Kyoto with this special set plan including a kimono, sash, bag and sandals. Choose from a variety of patterns and fabrics to fit your style!

How to Start with Pikachu in Pokémon Go

Now that Pokémon Go has finally hit Japan, be sure to start right. Here's the secret technique for getting your very own Pikachu right from the beginning!

New Akihabara Animate for Your Ikemen Needs

Opened on June 16, 2016, Akiba Girls Station is a massive, seven-floor shopping center dedicated entirely to anime/manga for the female audience.

Official Japanese Ghostbusters Theme

Ever wonder what the Ghostbusters theme would sound like in Japanese? Sony got comediennes Yukiko Tomochika, Oniyakko Tsubaki, Naomi Watanabe and Shizuyo Yamasaki into full Ghostbuster gear to show us!

know-before-you-go