Shrine Maidens Turned Off-Road Racing Queens
Shrines , Japanese Commercials
In this newest commercial from Toyo Tires, these girls literally drive away ogres during Japan’s annual Setsubun bean-throwing festival.
Answers to Common Questions for First-Timers
First Time in Japan , Life in Japan
Ever wondered about vending machines or all the cute characters on signage in Japan? What's up with capsule toys? Tokyo Girls' Update has some insight into simple aspects of Japanese life that can surprise first-time visitors.
Learn Japanese Through the Craziest Video Ever
With the help of ladies in kimono, sumo wrestlers and schoolgirls in fox masks, you too can learn to speak the distinct dialect of Japanglish.
A Home Embracing the Art of Clutter
An Osaka-based designer created a house to showcase the beauty of having a personal hoard.
The Weird Art of Everyday Life
This Japanese artist uses their keen photographic eye to capture strange, intimate moments of everyday life found on city streets.
Feeling Sleepy? Go to 'Bread!'
Any way you slice it, this comfy, whimsical bread bed really takes the cake!
Beautify Your Skin with Star Wars Face Masks
These face packs transform you into 'Star Wars' heroes and villains; just the thing to re-moisturize your skin from too much time on dry Tatooine.
Giant Cat Sculptures Will Blow Your Mind!
One Japanese artist combines an obscure part of Japanese history with his iconic aesthetic to create incredible, large-scale cat sculptures.
Japanese Artist Gives Old Stones New Life
This artist from Saitama Prefecture gives new meaning to the old phrase 'art imitates life!'
Innovative Aichi Illumination Made by Plumber
In a small town in Aichi Prefecture, a plumber and his family have created an icy winter illumination to warm the hearts of visitors.
Are You Ready for Pikachu Outbreak 2018?
In previous years, Yokohama's famed Pokémon party ended when the sun went down. This year those 1,500-plus Pikachus are staying out past their bedtime!
Pixel Puppies Might Be the Perfect Pet
One Japanese artist combines cuteness and nostalgia in his latest line of colorful sculptures. Plus, they're already housebroken!
Stamps Capture Japanese Bathhouse Charm
One Japanese artist is putting his stamp on the traditional Japanese bathhouse, or 'sento.'
AAJ Adventures: Shibuya's Cutest Hedgehog Café
Play with hedgehogs in this new custom-designed mini hedgehog village just two minutes from Shibuya Station.
Check Out the Best Japanese Ads of 2017
Famous musicians, actors and idol group members star in these memorable commercials that will make you laugh, cry and (hopefully) want to buy what they’re selling.
Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum
The Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum is less a museum than a Disney-like experience of ramen!
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.
6 Shrines for Strange Wishes in Tokyo
Temples & Shrines , Secret Tokyo
In Japan it's common to visit shrines to pray for good luck. But where do you go if you have a more specific wish, like to lower your golf handicap or tame your unruly hair? These 6 shrines can help fulfill your oddly specific hopes & dreams!
The Coolest Arcade You've Never Heard Of
Just across the river from Tokyo, in the city of Kawasaki, is an arcade with a unique aesthetic and personality that's as big as its selection of games and activities.
