Enliven Your Senses with Scented Paints
For all those who took up painting as a therapeutic way to pass the pandemic, now you can take it up a notch with scented paints called Kanogu.
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.
Make Your Own Chopsticks from 'Hamidashimono'
For more than 100 years, a town in Nara Prefecture has been using leftover, high-quality cypress wood from the home construction process to create disposable chopsticks. And now, you can make your own at home.
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.
Cover Your Face With a Creative Origami Mask
Simply called the Origami Mask, the idea first came to everyone’s attention thanks to an instructional video from a Polish Art school, which quickly went viral online. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s incredibly simple to make.
Trying to Make the Antiviral Legend Go Viral
Legend has it that seeing a drawing of this yokai named Amabie will cure or protect a person from any disease. The creature itself is said to have asked to be drawn and shared around – what is known today as an ‘Instagram shout-out.’
Designer Creates Free Template for Face Shield
Bespectacled Japanese designer Tokujin Yoshioka wanted to do something to help healthcare and public safety workers on the front lines of COVID-19, so he created a simple and easy way to make face shields.
Post-Abe PM Contender Suga Masks on the Rise
A Japanese rubber mask manufacturer anticipates greater demand for masks of leading post-Abe PM contender Suga Yoshihide.
Social Distance Supper with a Stuffed Capybara
The restaurant at Izu Shabonten Zoo in Shizuoka, Japan is crowded! But not by people, but stuffed capybaras that have been strategically placed throughout the restaurant to maintain appropriate social distancing.
Create Ukiyo-e Art at a Woodblock Party
If you're a fan of traditional Japanese art, you can create your own version of famous ukiyo-e paintings at Mokuhankan's woodblock print party experiences.
Roadtrip 5 Awesome Spots on the Noto Peninsula
Discover the secrets of the Noto Peninsula, situated on the wild northwestern coast of Honshu. Although remote, this area has it all; beautiful natural sights, historical architecture, fine handicrafts and relaxing hot spring resorts!
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 Looks to AI for COVID-19 Countermeasures
Japan’s government launches a panel of experts to discuss formulating coronavirus countermeasures using artificial intelligence and the supercomputer Fugaku.
Making Japanese Washi Paper from Food Waste
An established paper maker in central Japan has come up with a new type of washi that’s also eco-friendly. Craftswoman Masami Igarashi has 25 years of experience manufacturing washi and related products. She now makes paper from vegetable and fruit waste.
6th Grader Makes & Donates Face Shields
A sixth-grade student is making face shields and donating them to medical institutions amid a shortage of personal protective equipment in the fight against the novel coronavirus.
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.
Beautiful Origami Paper Using Gum Wrappers
Once you're done chewing a piece of Lotte gum, the company wants you to use the colorful wrapper to make your own origami koala or penguin. And they even offer instructions.
Unmasking a New Trend in Face Masks
People in Japan are starting to make masks using unconventional materials to deal with the shortage in the protective gear.
Make Your Accessories Fab at FabCafe Tokyo
At FabCafe Tokyo, the first digital fabrication café in Japan, you can use an assortment of 3-D scanners and printers, laser cutters, and a fleet of knowledgeable staff to make custom accessories, unique greeting cards, and even decorate macarons.
Color Your World with Vegetable Crayons
A company in Aomori Prefecture is making sustainable crayons out of vegetable waste.
