All About Japan

Recent Non-Fiction Books About Japan That You Must Read

Looking for your next great read about Japan? Here's a selection of some of the best non-fiction books—from memoirs to culinary explorations—published in the 2020s.

Meet a Robot with Heart at Tokyo's Lovot Café!

The robots at this café are cutting edge—developed and programmed to react emotionally to interaction with humans. Now, for the price of a simple meal, you can get a glimpse of how our future will be spent with the cutest “care robots.”

Super Mario Arrives at USJ!

The Super Nintendo World featuring Mario and related characters opens at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka following two postponements due to the coronavirus.

Inside Super Nintendo World

Super Nintendo World in Osaka opened earlier this year after a series of delays. All About Japan has all the hints, tips, and tricks to enjoy your day with one of Japan's most famous faces. Let’s-a go!

How a Crowd-funded Indie Zombie Film from Japan became a Global Cult Success

The story of an unknown Japanese film director and his film "Cut of the Dead," a clever low-budget zombie comedy that became a global smash.

Abroad in Japan: A Book Review

Influencer Chris Broad's chronicles his experiences in Japan—and his immensely popular Youtube channel—in a new, best-selling book.

Good Reads: "War on Wheels" and Keirin Cycling

A review of the fascinating new book on Japan's unique sport: "The War on Wheels – Inside the Keirin and Japan’s Cycling Subculture" by Justin McCurry

New Library Dedicated to Haruki Murakami

Everything you want to know about author Haruki Murakami's new Kengo Kuma-designed, Uniqlo-funded library

Play Ball! Japan's 5 Best Baseball Parks

If you love sports, don't miss a game at one of Japan's raucous baseball parks. Each one offers a unique experience that reflects the local character and food as well as the high-quality brand of baseball.

Five Young Japanese Women Making a Difference

A look at some young Japanese women making waves and inspiring others in their respective fields. Our “A list” includes an actress, an artist, an athlete, an author and an advocate for social change.

Festival of Fashion and Design “TOKYO CREATIVE SALON 2024”

"TOKYO CREATIVE SALON 2024," one of the largest fashion and design festivals in Japan, will be held from March 14 (Thursday) to March 24 (Sunday), 2024, in 10 areas of Tokyo.

6 of the Best Original Netflix Anime Series

Here we explore 6 of the best 'original Netflix' anime series that have emerged from the streaming service's recent venture into anime!

5 Great Reasons Why You Should Go Out to a Japanese Baseball Game

Although Sumo is nominally Japan's national sport, baseball is what the people really play and watch here. The experience surrounding a Japanese baseball game is unique and an absolute must if you are living in or visiting the land of the rising fastball.

Japan Anime's Take on Star Wars at Disney+

Lightsabers in katana sheaths, a Jedi turned pop star, and Japanese-speaking droids, oh my. Star Wars: Visions is Japan's anime offering on the popular science fiction universe.

6 of Japan's YouTubers that Will Have You Hooked

These Japan-based Youtubers have become global phenomenons, with a spicy mix of day-in-the-life stories, travel tips, and plenty of insight into all things Japanese. Find out why they're being watched by millions of fans worldwide.

What is Japan Reading?

Japan has long been known as a nation of avid readers, and books of all kinds—from manga to novels, self-help, and kids-oriented books—are a part of daily life. Here’s a look at the best-selling printed books of the first half of 2021, according to the Da

Defeat the "Attack on Titan!" in the City Where It All Started

For fans of the manga, a must-visit destination is Hita, Oita Prefecture, where you not only can learn about the iconic comic, but also engage in the story via augmented reality (AR).

Our Otaku Journey: Part I, Growing Up Otaku

The first in a series of conversations between two generations of otaku--Patrick Macias (Gen X) and Selina Lin (Gen Z)

Finding Anime in Real Life: 10 Tokyo Locations

The folklorist that I am, I decided to choose ten anime featuring creatures from Japanese myth (but with a little Western thrown in as well). Keep reading to check out if your favorite anime is included on my list!

Four Japanese Women Who Changed History

Meet four Japanese women who were pioneers in education and medicine. Tsuda Umeko, Oyama Sutematsu, Ogino Ginko, and Kusumoto Ine fought the status quo and created new opportunities for the generations of women who followed.

know-before-you-go