All About Japan

You're Never Too Old to Cosplay

66-year-old Tomoaki Kohguchi proves that as long as you're young at heart, and have the dexterity to sew, anyone can cosplay!

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?

Step into a Japanese Classroom at This Izakaya

With themed rooms and waiters who act as teachers and nurses, you’ll never want to leave elementary school again!

Osaka Gets Its Own Zombie Museum

This museum is perfect for those who want to experience living in a post-zombie-apocalypse world.

Navigating Japanese Umbrella Culture

The Japan Guy tackles an age-old philosophical question: 'What's the deal with umbrellas here in Japan?'

This 'Izakaya' Truly Is Stranger than Fiction!

Read only if you're up for a wacky 'izakaya' experience.

Gruesome Floats from the Neputa Festival!

Hirosaki's Neputa Festival is known for its gigantic, illuminated floats. But did you ever notice the gruesome details hidden in the art?

Hang This Doll to Pray for Clear Skies

While many believe the tradition of making 'teru teru bozu' dolls can be traced back to a bald-headed monk, history suggests it may have begun with a small girl.

Film & Solo Exhibition: The Whispering Star

Radical film director Sono Sion enlightens us with his solo exhibition, showcasing one of his most talked about films to date.

Instant Ramen as a Samurai Epic

Accompanied by a solid Japanese hip-hop beat, this film noir anime recasts the inventor of instant noodles as a samurai warrior. Think 'Samurai Champloo,' with ramen.

Wagashi Shop Sells Seppuku-Themed Desserts

This impressive dessert makes for an expressive apology!

Summer Doesn't Have to be the Pits

Stay cool during the summer with an electric fan that circulates cool air right into your armpit!

Otherworldly Transformation of Simple Ceramics

This ceramic artist takes utilitarian vessels and transforms them into otherworldly objects.

Japan's Most Surreal National Park

From late April to early May, the blooms of 4.5 million Nemophilia flowers turn the hills of Hitachi Seaside Park a surreal shade of blue.

The Portable Paternal Playgound!

This wearable prototype turns dads into jungle gyms!

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!

Painted Imaginary Camouflaged Leaf Insects

To avoid becoming prey, leaf insects use mimicry to blend into their surroundings. But what happens when the insect's natural environment has been completely destroyed?

Visit the 'Museum of the Sewerage'

At the 'Museum of the Sewerage' in western Tokyo, you can stand on a viewing platform right inside the main sewage pipe—which smells about as good as you'd imagine!

Want to See a Samurai Vaporized by a UFO?

How does Nissin advertise duck soup soba? By having a samurai try to shoot down a UFO. Naturally.

4 Very Creepy Ryokan

Is there anything cooler than a 'ryokan' with a bit of a thrill? These Japanese inns just might give you a chill!

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