Tech That Measures Congestion in Indoor Areas
Officials tested a system at Tokyo Dome that uses state-of-the-art technology to measure congestion in indoor arenas.
Tree Rubbings of Artist Stranded in NYC
When the pandemic hit, Japanese artist Keiko Miyamori found herself stuck in New York, missing exhibitions in Japan. As a way to keep her spirits strong, she created tree rubbings, placing them in charming glass boxes. Check out the fruits of her labors.
Tokyo's Stunning 'Mizuhiki' LED Christmas Tree
One of the most modern and innovative designs we've seen this year for Christmas trees features the traditional craft of 'mizuhiki' hand-twisted cords.
Turning Fashion Trash to Functioning Treasure
A Japanese designer has created a stunning, yet functioning chair that's made entirely from excess fabric from the fast fashion industry.
Hayabusa2 Returns with Asteroid Samples
Japan’s Hayabusa2 space explorer brought 5.4 grams of substances believed to be from the asteroid Ryugu on a capsule that returned to Earth earlier this month.
Japan's 'Word of the Year' for 2020 Released
Learning Japanese , Deeper Japan
Dictionary company Sanseido had a lot of strong contenders for its annual Word of the Year contest, as a lot of new words sprung up into everyday conversation like "lockdown" and "social distance." But, the chosen word for 2020 was still a big surprise!
Tokyo Building Shaded by Hinoki Wood Curtain
Witness the cool and cooling wood-curtain collaboration made by the team of Tsukagoshi Miyashita Architects and structural engineer Yasuhiro Kaneda.
A Musical Scale to Maintain Social Distance
A mural by Eisuke Tachikawa is helping visitors to the Minato Mirai Hall stay socially distant while possibly getting the first few notes of Erik Satie’s Gymnopédie stuck in their head.
The Great Wave of Lego Bricks
Japan’s only certified professional Lego block builder pays homage to one of Japan's most influential woodblock prints with this epic Lego masterpiece.
Worship Your Feline Friend with Its Own Shrine
Your cat already walks around like a god of the house, so why not get a cardboard shrine to show your true devotion.
Osaka Contest for Mini-Gardens on Small Trucks
The Kei-tora Gardening Contest has chosen its winner for 2020. Click to see which mini-truck garden received to top prize.
Celebrities Pose for Playful, Stylized Photos
Welcome to the imaginative world of art director Yuni Yoshida, who has been using celebs to create magical images that play with the way we see reality.
Ceramics Workshop Designed by Kengo Kuma
Star architect Kengo Kuma puts his signature stamp on yet another building with this ceramics museum and workshop in Komatsu.
AI Takes Guesswork out of Choosing Sake
This artificial intelligence sommelier helps you choose the sake of your preference just by giving it descriptive expressions.
Artist Makes 3D Sculptures of Strange Pet Pics
For one artist, scrolling past cute viral pics of animals is enough to inspire crafting sculptures that imagine new creatures.
2020's Kanji of the Year Revealed
Learning Japanese , Life in Japan
As he does every December 12, the head abbot of Kiyomizudera Temple took his usual place in front of a blank board on the site’s famous balcony, raised a large brush, and began the strokes that revealed the top character for 2020.
Trees on Trees on Trees: Cedar Platforms
Have you ever seen a tree growing atop another? Come learn why this cool and ancient technique encourages proper forestation.
Eye-Catching Pieces from ArtKyoto 2020
ArtKyoto is back and we've got the scoop on some of the coolest artworks on exhibit this year.
Rebranding the Historic Izumo Taisha Shrine
Creative director Yu Yamada and art director Kishino Shogo worked with Izumo Taisha to modernize the crests and symbols of the shrine.
Get Your Hands on the Ultimate Hand-Drawn Maze
The artist called Papa has once again picked up his pen in an attempt to outdo himself, creating one of the most challenging yet beautiful mazes we've seen.
