All About Japan

No Halloween Gathering in Shibuya in 2020

Officials of Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward have decided to ask people not to visit the iconic Scramble Crossing to celebrate Halloween this year, for fears of spreading COVID-19.

Akihabara's New Wall of 150 Gachapon Machines

For fans of the miniature capsule toy-dispensing gachapon vending machines, Kenelstand in Akihabara is your new best friend.

No Time to Explore Tokyo? Try a Cannon Flight!

Tokyo Bullet Flight is a VR simulation of two things: futuristic Tokyo, and what it'd be like to blast through Tokyo as a cannonball. You'll see Tokyo landmarks like the Tokyo Skytree and Asakusa's Nakamise-Dori—but like you've never experience before.

Flowchart of Penguin Drama & Relationships

The lives of real penguins in Kyoto and Sumida Aquariums have been detailed in high-resolution flowcharts, and it's full of penguin crushes, heartbreaks, adultery and even egg-stealing. All the things that make for a great reality television show.

Hospital Supports Pregnant Women in Need

A hospital that operates Japan’s only baby hatch, where mothers can place their unwanted babies anonymously, has started taking in pregnant women of lesser means to help them give birth, in what is believe to be the first such attempt in the country.

Sculptor Creates Heroes Using 100-Yen Toys

For 35 years, since he was in grade school, the sculptor Tomohiro Yasui has been making paper robots. However, he's been recently targeting his creative energy at the cheap toys and snacks sold at 100-yen shops around Japan.

Renaissance Paintings Purr-fect for Cat Lovers

Japanese contemporary artist Tokuhiro Kawai uses his mastery of oil painting to create surreal images that invoke the Italian painters of the High Renaissance. But instead of heroes, saints, and the divine, he largely focuses on lots of cats.

Visit the Poo Museum from the Comfort of Home

The Poo Museum pop-up proved to be so successful, that long lines of fans were clenching in anticipation to get in. But, with COVID-19 keeping many facilities closed, customers can enjoy the museum from their own personal throne.

Wild Deer Captured in Tokyo

Tokyo police and firefighters manage to capture a wild deer that had been spotted along the banks of a local river.

Ready for Burger King's Maximum Challenge?

Are you ready for Japan's latest carnivore craze? The limited-time all-you-can-eat event from Burger King is coming September 18-22. And we have the details.

Cute Cat-Themed Do-It-Yourself Doughnut Kit!

There aren’t a lot of universal truths in this world, but one we can all agree on is that doughnuts make any situation better. That includes sheltering in place. if you have doughnuts at home, what possible reason could you have for leaving the house?

In the Name of the Moon, She'll Feed You

At Shining Moon Tokyo, you can reminisce in your Sailor Moon feels with magical Sailor Moon themed dishes, exclusive goods, and a dinner show featuring the Sailor Scouts and Tuxedo Moon.

Hop on the Trolly with JR Shinkansen Undies

This shinkansen underwear lets you show (or hide) your love of Japan’s iconic, super fast trains.

A Grand Mask That's Worth a Grand

As wearing a face covering has become essential in the COVID-19 era, one mask specialty store has opened in Tokyo, showing off a dazzling mask with a 100,000 yen (US$940) price tag!

Prove You Survived Tokyo with Godzilla Goods

Shinjuku must be a bit of a masochist town, because after Godzilla destroyed it three times, the area constructed the first official Godzilla store to celebrate. Get postcards, clothing, figures, and more to show that you've survived Tokyo—and the kaiju.

Ramen Mask Makes Use of Your Steamy Glasses

Sensible individuals are opting these days to stay indoors as much as possible and use masks when outdoors. But, there’s nothing in the social rulebook saying your mask has to be sensible.

Mandarin Oranges Fetch Record High Price

Mandarin oranges in western Japan fetch a record high 100,000 yen apiece in the fruit’s first auction of the season.

Japan's Cute New Mascot Came to Fight COVID-19

Welcome Koronon, the cute pink cat who's here to protect the city of Tokyo from COVID-19 by handing out free masks around the metropolis.

Pokémon Reimagined as Classic American Cartoon

Japanese animators and composers channel the traditions of American slapstick shorts for a new take on classic Pokémon.

Get Fresh Noodles Delivered Right to Your Bowl

Have fun with your food with this in-home version of a slip and slide noodle party.

know-before-you-go