All About Japan

10 Amazing Things I Can Do at My Local Konbini

Offering everything from underwear to fresh vegetables, Japan's convenience stores are an indispensable part of daily life. Here is why.

Learning to Make Japan's Most Durable Washi Paper

The Kaminosato Museum in Hitachiomiya has a gallery of products made with Nishinouchi Washi and offers workshops for visitors who want to try their hand at papermaking or learn more.

Hayabusa2 Capsule on Display at Museum

A capsule of Japan’s Hayabusa2 space explorer is put on display at a museum near Tokyo. The container returned to Earth in December, bringing back materials from the asteroid Ryugu.

Pioneers of Sustainable Living in Japan: The Remarkable People of Kamikatsu

The second of a series about the inspiring zero-waste Japanese town of Kamikatsu. Joy Jarman-Walsh introduces the people who want to make sustainability compatible with a good life.

7 Japanese House Features That Every Home Should Have

Some typical Japanese home features to improve life are worth adopting regardless of where you live.

Simple Quiz Helps Find Your Ideal Saké

New Japan-based startup Kurashu is looking to help people break into the world of sake with a novel recommendation system and a web shop selling a curated collection of small-batch sake.

Brit Amelia Hiorns is Working to Save Japan’s Bear Population

Amelia Hiorns has one of the most unusual jobs in Japan. As a member of the Picchio Wildlife Research Center’s Bear Team, she works with black bears, Karelian bear dogs, and humans, all in an effort to promote wildlife conservation.

Toilet Wonders of the Architectural World

Head to Shibuya in Tokyo to experience toilets like you've never experienced them before.

Unilever Japan Expands Recycle Program

Unilever has added the National Azabu Supermarket to its locations for collecting personal care packaging after use for recycling, with incentives under the UMILE program.

Swede Peo Ekberg is a Fair Trade Leader in Japan

The Director of One Planet Cafe shares his insights on Fair Trade and why it's a win-win for everyone.

Shimbun Nishiki-e: The Meiji-era Origins of Japan’s Lurid Tabloids

In the Meiji Era (1868--1912), some enterprising woodblock artists used their traditional skills to bring a mix of news and entertainment to the masses.

Sleep in Comfort in Beds made with Japanese Craftsmanship

Nihon Bed has a long commitment to crafting quality beds, and its mattresses and frames are found at the most luxurious accommodations throughout Japan.

Japan's Himekuri Calendars: Amazing Almanacs

Japan's traditional page-a-day himekuri calendars are fascinating windows into traditional ways of keeping track of everything from seasonal events to festivals and lucky days.

Meet a Robot with Heart at Tokyo's Lovot Café!

The robots at this café are cutting edge—developed and programmed to react emotionally to interaction with humans. Now, for the price of a simple meal, you can get a glimpse of how our future will be spent with the cutest “care robots.”

Discover Japanese Woodwork Traditions at Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum

This Kobe museum features the traditions and technology of Japanese carpentry and tool artisanship that are used in buildings from simple tea houses to complex temple designs.

Astronaut Hoshide Excited About Tokyo Olympics

Japanese astronaut Hoshide Akihiko said in an interview with Nippon TV that he looks forward to the Tokyo Olympics while on his upcoming mission as commander of the International Space Station.

Sustaina-Week: Seeking a Better Future

Boost your sustainability game with tips, products, and services from environmentally friendly Japanese companies

A Fresh Fashion Twist on Vintage Kimono

A young Japan-based Australian designer is reconstructing vintage kimono into bespoke garments.

'Shooting Star' Bullet Train

A beaming bullet train running through the Kyushu area was created to mark the 10th anniversary of the Kyushu Shinkansen.

The Japanese Village That Inspired Steve Jobs

Tsubame-Sanjo is one of Japan’s leading metalworking hubs, boasting time-honored craftsmanship that has caught the eye of many big-name manufacturers, including Apple.

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