'Yurukyara' 101
Japan's cute mascots, often based on regional animals or foods, are known as 'yurukyara.' You've probably seen these fun and cuddly characters, but where did the idea come from?
Artist Duo Turns Japanese Puns into Art
'Dajare' is a form of Japanese wordplay, much like a pun, that relies on similar-sounding words to form the joke. Thanks to two artists, you can see some of these puns in groan-worthy visual form!
The 'Kingdom Hearts' Concert of a Lifetime
Grab your tickets and your Keyblades, because two Kingdom Hearts concert series are coming with a total of 15 performances in six countries!
ZAQ to Make US Debut at AnimeNEXT
Songrwriter/performer ZAQ will make her American performance debut at New Jersey’s AnimeNEXT in June 2016.
Captain America: Manga War!?
As part of the promotions for the Marvel movie 'Captain America: Civil War,' three major shounen manga titles have also revealed their own versions of 'civil war'—illustrated by the respective manga artists themselves!
10 Ways to Experience 'Danso' Culture
'Danso'—women dressing and performing as men—has been an element of Tokyo girls’ underground culture for years. We've outlined 10 ways to get a taste of 'danso' culture, both in Japan and from abroad!
FEMM Plays Head Games in 'White Noise'
Japanese mannequin-pop duo FEMM are back in their signature latex.
'Live Spectacle Naruto' Returns
The new Naruto live action play looks more awesome than we ever could have imagined!
Pokémon Center Set to Open at Tokyo Skytree!
Your favorite Pokémon friends are reaching new heights, with the Pokémon Center grand opening at the base of Japan's tallest structure.
Get Inside Hayao Miyazaki's Head
English filmmaker Lewis Bond created a video documentary in which he perfectly captures the genius of Hayao Miyazaki.
2 Awesome Owl Cafés in Osaka
Meet lots of different types of owls up close at Osaka's two owl cafés, where you can take pictures and pet these adorable creatures!
Yousei Teikoku Releases 'Disorder'
Japanese gothic metal band Yousei Teikoku has released its new music video, 'Disorder,' the opening theme for the anime series 'Big Order.'
4 Sakura Vocaloid Songs for Spring
Many Japanese artists have at least one song dedicated to cherry blossoms, and the Vocaloid genre is no exception.
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Drones
Two dozen LED-illuminated drones dance to 'shamisen' music above a sleeping Mount Fuji. Trust us—this is one you'll want to see.
How & When to Apologize in Japan
Learning Japanese Life in Japan
Apology is a kind of social currency in Japan. But using it well isn't just about knowing what words to use—you also need to know when and how to use them!
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 skills at the same time!
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu to Open J-Pop Summit 2016
J-Pop Summit 2016, one of the world’s biggest Japanese pop culture events, will present a live concert performance by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu in San Francisco.
Superfly Rocks Osaka Castle
Watch an amazing vocal performance of 'Beautiful' by Japanese rock act Superfly—with full 360-degree views at Osaka Castle's Nishinomaru Garden!
Japan’s 10 Coolest Subculture Illustrators!
Check out 10 of the cutest, coolest and weirdest subculture illustrators from Harajuku!
Hatsune Miku Hits Vogue
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku traded in her iconic digital aquamarine for some awe-inspiring threads at Givenchy’s Paris studio.
