Tsumugi Silk: Poor Man's Fabric Turned Luxury Folkcraft
Tsumugi silk is the result of a labor-intensive artistic weaving style that is prized for its supple softness and unique designs.
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!
Idyllic Etajima: Inland Sea Getaway
This inland sea island flies under the radar of most travelers, making it the perfect place to escape.
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.
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.
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.
JAPAN MASTERY COLLECTION: Showcasing Japan’s regional luxury brands
The Japan Mastery Collection has been opened at Haneda Airport Terminal 3 last year. The collection features garments, artworks, household items, and other products that represent the refined skills, and history of different regions across Japan.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fukui: New Trends Crafted from Traditional Skills
This August, LUMINE Singapore, the concept store featuring Japanese fashion and lifestyle brands, will feature the best of Fukui Prefecture’s craft products in a pop-up store commemorating the opening of its new flagship store at Raffles City.
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.
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.
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.’
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.