6 Foreigners Making Waves in the Countryside
Japanese Countryside Deeper Japan
Most of the subjects of this story didn't see themselves where they are now—but all of them found something incredible in the Japanese countryside, leading each to develop a unique and indelible bond to the local community.
Want a Cardboard Car?
Despite its sleek look, this car is actually made out of cardboard! Just don't try to take it for a spin in the rain.
Alone this Christmas? You Don't Have to Be!
Thanks to manufacturer Mega House, you can enjoy a Christmas date with a famous Japanese anime voice actress.
400-Year-Old Bathhouse Gets a Facelift
Faced with a dwindling clientele, Gunma's Maruhon Inn asked KuboTsushima Architects to redesign its bathhouse. The result is welcoming space that invites guests to relax and rejuvenate.
Smartphone Samurai Get Picked Off by Ninja
NTT Docomo's smartphone safety video warns that texting while walking may make you vulnerable to ambush.
Dress Up Your Canine or Feline as a Samurai
Ditch the cutesy puppy or kitty sweaters and get your pet into something more noble—like a samurai costume!
7 Incredible Activities in Minakami, Gunma
Minakami is one exciting gem of a Japanese countryside town!
A Kyoto-Lover's Guide to the Ancient Capital
Get tips and local knowledge from Kyoto-obsessed travelers, from must-see spots to unforgettable food.
Attention to Detail is Key
Don't take your eyes off this video for a second, or you'll miss seeing the precision and concentration that it takes to design a single bowl.
Interview with Kurashiki Mayor Kaori Ito
The city of Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture is maintaining its path of developmental growth even as it attracts crowds of visitors from other parts of Japan and abroad.
7 Delightful Christmas Origami Designs
Brush off your folding skills to make some great Christmas ornaments with paper!
7 Cool Traditional Japanese-Style Gifts
Looking for just the right gift during the holiday season? Why not give the gift of something unique you could only get from Japan!
Finalists Announced for New 2020 Tokyo Stadium
Two competing groups have offered proposals coming in at just under ¥150 billion, which is about half of what the original Zaha Hadid stadium was going to cost.
Free Niseko App Will Keep You in the Snow
Want to navigate Niseko with ease? The Niseko App has been updated for the 2015/16 season, free to download on both iPhone and Android.
Promoting the Healing Power of Nature
The Kaminoyama Onsen Kurort project is a wellness and leisure spot in Yamagata Prefecture that focuses on medical science-based healthy outdoor walks and invigorating visitors through local culinary and hot spring resources.
5 Gorgeous Reasons to Visit Takayama
Takayama is a picturesque mountain town that's beautiful to visit all year round!
Become a Michelin Chef by Hologram
The Tokyo Institute of Technology has developed a 3-D simulator system that teaches chefs-to-be everything they need to know.
A Taste of Green Tourism in Traditional Japan
Despite their combined population of only 900, the villages of Shunran no Sato drew 11,000 visitors in 2014, attracted by the prospect of experiencing traditional Japanese life from locals only too happy to share.
6 Great Innovations from Japan's Countryside
From urban planning and fish farming to food recycling and the re-invigoration of traditional techniques, a number of great ideas have come out of Japan's smaller towns and cities.
4 Cool Things Made of Kurikyu Odate Bentwood
Kurikyu Bentwood is known for high-quality bentwood products emblematic of the city of Odate in Akita Prefecture.
