All About Japan

7 Winners of the 2015 Japan Toy Awards

We chose entries across seven categories to bring you a stellar group of toys that were all winners at the 2015 Japan Toy Awards.

Lovely Watercolor Paintings of Food in Japan

Take a look at these watercolor paintings that look so good you may try to eat them!

Anime Robots Evolved Hand-in-Hand with Toys

The history of Japanese robot anime is one reason for Japan’s global reputation for being “robot country.” Anime and film critic Ryusuke Hikawa explains.

Take Your Shelves on the Plane

Japanese furniture designer creates 'tansu' luggage, innovating a unique and yet somehow traditional approach to travel.

Tools with a Happy Twist

Yuma Kano wants to cover the world with smiley-faced screws.

7 Toy Winners of the Good Design Award

Take a look at seven extraordinary award-winning toys that deserved design certification.

Feed the Fish in Your Own Digital Aquarium!

Hook this digital aquarium up to your smartphone and you kids can scan in their own hand-drawn aquatic life!

Art Student Creates a 'Plock'

Tick tock, what's a plock? Check out this hand-carved wooden clock that has over 400 moving pieces!

Tomy's Talking Sheep Robot is a Real Cutie!

OHaNAS is a cute, white, sheep-like talking robot that can play music and answer your questions. Think Siri, but adorable.

Netsuke: Ancient Pocket Charms from Edo Japan

Take a look inside the beautiful and historical world of Japanese 'netsuke.'

One Mannequin, Many Body Types

Whether you're designing a new cosplay outfit or creating your own unique dress, get the perfect size every time with just the click of a button.

Low Pixel CG Ceramic Artwork by Toshiya Masuda

What happens when you mix digital art with ceramics? Explore an interesting art style known as 'image gap'!

Fukuoka Firefighters Have Ninja-Style Skills

Firefighters have a difficult job—and the Kasuya Hokubu Fire Department trains to be up to the task!

This is One Futuristic Library!

What better way to get the creative juices flowing for a university group project than to be encased in your very own world several meters above ground in the library?

Fine Wine Meets Fine Art

Rather than using traditional paints to recreate classic paintings, Sanja Jankovic turns to a rather unconventional art medium.

Robot Ballerina or Cute Toy?

These adorable electronic floor-cleaning devices blur the line between cleaning products and toys—as your cat will surely demonstrate!

Faster than a Speeding Bullet Train

Just can't wait for the Maglev bullet train to come out? True train lovers can bring home a miniature version for their living rooms!

Convience Store Offers Free Cancer Screenings

Grab a cup of joe and test your blood for cancer cells at Lawson convince stores in Kyoto.

Learn to Play Piano With These Cuddly Cats

These cute, squishy cat toys can help you learn the eight major keys of a piano with just a tap on a feline's back!

3 Top-of-the-Line Kokeshi Dolls

Kokeshi are traditional Japanese dolls expertly carved from wood. You’ve probably seen them around Japan, and after reading this article, you may want to start your own collection!

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