All About Japan

Hammering Out the Shinkansen's Face by Hand

Just one company in Japan, with a mere 40 employees, uses hand hammering techniques to produce many of the Shinkansen's distinctive shapes.

Modern Designs Update Ancient Traditions

SOU SOU's patterns and styling remain sufficiently Japanese to intrigue visitors from abroad, yet they are contemporary enough to appeal to Japanese shoppers.

Take Your Shelves on the Plane

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

Art Student Creates a 'Plock'

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

A Goth's Dream Doll

These porcelain figures would no doubt have been the go-to dolls for Emily Strange.

Transforming Washi to Meet Modern Needs

Would you wear a wedding dress made of paper?

Iro Ken's Playful Paper Mobiles

When you're the son of comedians, your art tends to come out with a sense of humor.

Explore the Process of Making Japanese Swords

After watching this short tutorial on how to make a katana, you may find yourself wanting to become a swordsmith!

Train Postcards Represent Your Favorite Lines

Want to show your love for your favorite train line? With these wonderful train postcards, your dream is now a reality!

300-Year-Old Hemp Makes a Modern Comeback

Founded in Nara in 1716, Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten is finding new ways to bring its traditional textiles to a modern market, both domestically and overseas.

Totoro Washi Paper for All 4 Seasons

Whether you're into origami, scrapbooking or decorating, this Japanese paper will bring the magic of Studio Ghibli to all your favorite projects.

How Japanese Textiles Enable Global Fashions

Nobuyuki Ota, the CEO of the Cool Japan Fund and an expert on fashions both domestic and overseas, expounds on the history and appeal of Japanese textiles.

Dyeing Technique Originated with Edo Lords

Along with Kyoto and Kanazawa, Tokyo is one of Japan’s three major traditional kimono-dyeing regions. Find out how the technique Tokyo Some Komon been passed down from the Edo Period to the present day.

Adorable Kitty-chan Kendama

Sanrio Company's star character Kitty-chan, and her friends, remake a classic Japanese toy.

Tools with a Happy Twist

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

Kyoto's 1,000-Year-Old Hand Embroidery

This shop in Kyoto carries on a tradition of silk embroidery that dates back to the Asuka Period (592-710).

Tour Miyazaki through 6 Incredible Videos

Ancient shrines, traditional crafts, horseback riding, surfing, golf, great food and more all crammed against some of the most picturesque coastline you could hope to see. This is Miyazaki!

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'!

See How Momotaro Jeans are Made

Momotaro Jeans' craftspeople have dedicated their lives to denim. See how they produce a pair of jeans, from start to finish.

10 Ways to Deck Yourself Out in Okayama Denim

Okayama Prefecture is the heart of denim in Japan. Check out these 10 pieces from Okayama Denim that will have you set in some fine Japan-made threads, great for both denim newbies and real denim heads!

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