The Most Inspirational Japanese Teacher
One of the first JOCV volunteers was a Japanese language teacher who used her skills to teach Japanese to people in Laos and other developing countries beginning in the 1960s.
Minimalist Sushi Shop is All About the Counter
Opened in June 2015, the small and intimate space at Tokyo's Yoshii is defined by a long, continuous reclaimed wooden counter that offers a truly minimal dining experience.
Conservation of an Icon
Mount Fuji is recognized as both a World Heritage Site and a three-star Michelin spot. But how do you protect a natural site from the erosive forces of its own popularity?
Ukiyo-e in Californ-i-ay
One early 20th century Japanese artist helped strengthen the cultural bridge between Japan and the U.S. by recreating the Golden State in ukiyo-e.
Naha's Tsuboya Pottery Festival
The Tsuboya area has been known as "the town of pottery" since the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It celebrates this heritage every November.
Give Yourself a Hand
Looking to avoid poor posture while relaxing at work? Thanko is here to lend you a hand!
Brett Mayer, Kanji Master
Learning Japanese Deeper Japan
Meet the American man who became the only non-Asian to pass the top level of the Japan Kanji Aptitude Test.
Putting the AI in Samurai
Combining the modern with the traditional, a new robot emerges from the land of the rising sun.
Learn Japanese with a Five-Armed Octoped
Struggling to start with Japanese? Let Tako lend you a hand—or five. Wait, five?
Gorgeous Woodblock Sushi Set
Why not give your kids a head start in learning the basics of sushi?
The Sushi Restaurant Run by Women
Tokyo's Nadeshico Sushi challenges gender roles with kimono-clad, all-female staff.
120-Year-Old Storehouse Reborn as Living Space
Aptly named the Rebirth House, this century-old storehouse survived the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake to be reborn as a stunning living space.
Origami-Style Lamp
Neither scissors nor glue are needed for this DIY project that can brighten up any room.
Change Your Twitter Heart to Sushi!
Don't want to see hearts on Twitter? Why not try sushi instead!
Eat the Future with Automated Sushi
While conveyor belt sushi restaurants are also quite common in the West, Japan has brought this kind of eatery to the next level—with automated sushi!
Goodbye Manicures, Hello Nail-Puri!
Tired of having to paint your nails, or forking over ¥5,000 for a salon-quality manicure? Well, the company that brought us Sonic the Hedgehog is doing something about it!
Kendo Looks Awesome in Kyoto
This incredible video will make you want to pick up a sword and visit Kyoto. In a good way.
Live in a Tokyo Rubik's Cube
Takuro Yamamoto Architects have designed a brilliant little home that makes maximum use of Tokyo's cramped land space.
Laser-Cut Seaweed Makes Beautiful Sushi
Wrap your sushi rolls in beautifully patterned, laser-cut nori!
