Japan's 'Word of the Year' for 2020 Released
Learning Japanese Deeper Japan
Dictionary company Sanseido had a lot of strong contenders for its annual Word of the Year contest, as a lot of new words sprung up into everyday conversation like "lockdown" and "social distance." But, the chosen word for 2020 was still a big surprise!
Mural Highlights Japan's Bond with Germany
In celebration of the long-standing ties between Japan and Germany, TokyoDex has curated an 80-meter mural along the German Embassy's Tokyo walls.
Tokyo Building Shaded by Hinoki Wood Curtain
Witness the cool and cooling wood-curtain collaboration made by the team of Tsukagoshi Miyashita Architects and structural engineer Yasuhiro Kaneda.
Japanese Onomatopoeia: There's a Word for That
Learning Japanese Deeper Japan
Get help learning Japanese onomatopoeia with the help of 100 international illustrators in one remarkable little book.
AI Takes Guesswork out of Choosing Sake
This artificial intelligence sommelier helps you choose the sake of your preference just by giving it descriptive expressions.
Saitama Vending Machine Selling Covid-19 Tests
Japanese vending machines are well known for selling some pretty unique items, and this one in Saitama Prefecture, just outside of Tokyo, is offering PCR Test kits for you to take in the comfort of your own home.
Touchless Toilet Panel Is Safety Innovation
Japanese toilets are well known for their high-tech wash-and-dry functions, controlled by a panel located near the toilet seat. While it's great for keeping your rear clean, the pandemic has highlighted one major problem: it doesn’t keep fingers clean.
Yokoo's Contemporary Misaligned Ukiyo-e Prints
Tadanori Yokoo celebrates the common problem of woodblock misalignment in a new series.
8 Things Office Workers Didn't Miss in 2020
A recent survey by the Japanese Internet portal Biglobe asked Japanese workers, many of whom have transitioned to telecommuting, what they don’t miss about their old workdays. Here are the Top 8 responses.
Masks for Musical Instruments
Masks have become an everyday necessity in the coronavirus age, and now there are masks for musical instruments.
COVID Vaccines May Be Available in May
Sources say Japan's government plans to deliver COVID vaccinations to the general population in May.
Fukuoka's Giant Gorilla Is Symbol of Strength
Since the Amabie didn't swoop in to save Japan from the pandemic, one town in Fukuoka decided to bring in a straw-based specialist to, well, smash the virus with fearsome fists and glowing red eyes!
Taro Award Winner Is Youngest Ever at 17
The incredibly bold paintings of Chifu Onishi took home the Taro Okamoto Award for Contemporary Art, making her the youngest recipient of the prestigious award.
Naohiko Shimoda's Creative Corner Kamidana
Kamidana are miniature altars that can be found in many Japanese homes. However, architect Naohiko Shimoda came up with one that highlights the corners of rooms, blending traditional and modern aesthetics.
These Traditional Dolls Are Earthquake Ready
As one kokeshi doll workshop's owners began cleaning up their shop, a flash of genius stuck them: why not equip their topple-prone traditional dolls with lights that can be used in case of future earthquakes?
250+ Free Pictograms All About Life in Japan
Graphic designer Kenya Hara and Nippon Design Center have created over 250 pictograms supporting tourism visually. And you can get them for free!
Tokyo Stocks Rise to 30-Year High
Tokyo stocks rise on better-than-expected gross domestic product data released in the morning, with the key Nikkei index topping 30,000 for the first time in over 30 years.
Stylish Library Nicknamed Forest of Aphorisms
Residents of Nasushiobara City as flocking to the new library built by hometown designer Mari Ito.
Uber Eats Starts Medication Delivery Trials
Convenience store chain giant Lawson is teaming up with Uber Eats to deliver medication to those who need it.
Photographer's Creative Urban Building Cutouts
Photographer Ken Ohyama is highlighting his passion for urban environments with these cool cutouts of buildings across the country.
