All About Japan

Rice Paddy Art Celebrates Manga Legend

To celebrate the 90th anniversary of Osamu Tezuka, the 'Godfather of Manga,' the small village of Inakadate in Aomori has created stunning natural art depicting some of his most-beloved characters.

72 Women Present a Life at One Year Per Second

Using a different actress to show each year of a woman's 72-year life, the maker of Pocky reminds us that life moves fast, but it’s the slow moments that make it beautiful.

Wagakki Band Unveils New Music Video & Album

Wagakki Band has unveiled their 'Sasameyuki' music video, along with teasers from their upcoming fifth album, 'Otone.'

Pop the Question with a Pokémon Ring!

This solid gold diamond ring—featuring the adorable Pokémon, Mew—will certainly have them saying “I do!"

After a 12-Year Hiatus, Utada Hikaru Is Back!

After 12 years, fans finally have a chance to see 'Kingdom Hearts' and 'Evangelion' singer Utada Hikaru live once more! And a strategic purchase will boost your odds of getting tickets to her upcoming shows!

Cherish the Cherry Blossoms With This Playlist

'Hanami' is one of the best parts of cherry blossom season! Make the most of your cherry blossom viewing with this spring-inspired playlist!

All About Purikura!

If you're not familiar with the exaggerated features and photographic fun of 'purikura,' you're in luck! This article takes a deeper look at the rise of these 'kawaii' Japanese photo booths, and what to expect when you visit one.

Rain Turns Tokyo Disneyland into Wonderland

Tokyo Disneyland proves dreary weather doesn't have to dampen your day, and that even in rain dreams can still come true!

Japanese Trailer for 'Ready Player One'

The Japanese trailer for Steven Spielberg's 'Ready Player One' reveals a few more tantalizing shots from the film!

Lovebites Nominated at London Metal Awards

Power-metal quintet Lovebites have been nominated for Best New Band at London's annual Metal Hammer Golden God Awards. Go vote!

Rock Icon David Bowie Immortalized in Ukiyo-e

A Japanese woodblock artist is combining elements of traditional Japanese culture with the beloved musician who was so inspired by them, David Bowie.

An Interview with Wagakki Band

JRock247 sat down with Yuko Suzuhana (vocals), Machiya (guitar) and Ibukuro Kiyoshi (koto) of international sensation Wagakki Band to talk about instrumentation, lyrical influences and how their latest album came to be.

Interactive Pikachu Peddles Pokémon Plushies

If you're looking to get your hands on some adorable Pokémon plushies, check out these new vending machines! These Pokémon Stands will feature an interactive Pikachu to help you select your new buddy.

Who Will Win in an Epic Manga Character Brawl?

A new fighting game will pit some of your favorite 'Shonen Jump' characters like Luffy, Naruto and Goku against one another in a crossover brawl of epic proportions.

The Incredible History of Nintendo Explained

Thanks to traditional Japanese playing cards, the Japanese mafia and an extendable toy claw, this company transformed itself into one of the most iconic gaming brands in Japan.

Band-Maid Goes 'Band-Maiko' for April Fool's

Band-Maid mixes shamisen with thrash guitar for this special April Fool's release—and the result is kinda awesome!

'Manifest 99' Rattles into Japan

The award-winning 'Manifest 99,' an ominous and eerie story set on a train inhabited by a murder of crows, is about finding redemption in the afterlife—and is now available in Japan!

Big in Japan: A Look at the Price of Fame

Australian and self-professed human guinea pig Dave Elliot-Jones packed his bag for Japan to interview foreign celebrities that have made it big in the Land of the Rising Sun, and try to find his own way into the limelight.

Moomin Theme Park Set to Open in Japan

Schedule to open in March 2019, the much-anticipated Moomin Valley Park will allow guests in Japan to dive into the world of these beloved Finnish characters.

Stranger than Fiction: 5 True Tales from Tokyo

Want to learn more about Tokyo? These 5 nonfiction novels examine different aspects of Japanese life and culture in the country and its colorful capital.

know-before-you-go