Giving Voice to a Dream
Did you know that one of the voice actresses on 'Sailor Moon Crystal' grew up in China? Find out how Seira Ryu learned the language and—with a little luck—came to hold her own against native-born Japanese vocal actors.
Have a Vegetable Garden Right in Your Kitchen
Without even requiring soil, this gardening pod gives farm-to-fork a whole new meaning.
Making Broken Pottery Look Like New
Handicrafts Kumamoto Earthquake
This volunteer craftsman is traveling to Kumamoto to help repair earthquake-damaged family heirlooms free of charge.
American Photographer Promotes Island with Art
American photographer Patrick Tsai is part of a team helping to internationalize and revitalize the island of Shodoshima in the Seto Inland Sea.
Where Studio Ghibli's Paint Comes From
Founded in 1950, this 17-person paint company has colored the works of anime geniuses from Osamu Tezuka to Hayao Miyazaki.
4 Shoes Your Inner Ninja Will be Dying to Get
The iconic split-toed 'tabi' boot steps out of the ninja scene and into the world of sneakers in this roundup of awesome footwear designed for the street.
3-D Printing Café in Gifu
Try your hand at 3-D scanning and 3-D printing in a café that celebrates Gifu's woodworking traditions.
Turn Your Smartphone into a Telescope!
Take pictures of the surface of the moon and planets on your smartphone with this cool new telescope add-on!
Wall Art Doubles as a Light-Emitting Lantern
Is it a lantern? Is it a photo of a lantern? Is it wall art? Well, it’s all of the above. And it’s the latest innovation from the mind-bending design duo YOY!
Temporary Tattoos Detect Soba Allergies
These temporary tattoos aren't just for show—they could actually save your life!
Cones of Light Create Abstract Trees
Take a look at how this Japanese architect stages an immersive installation made up primarily of light for an interactive forest experience!
6 Travel Goods You Can Find at a ¥100 Shop
You can purchase one (or all) of these six practical travel items, each for less than a buck!
Enter the Ghibli World Through Virtual Reality
Ever wanted to be in a Ghibli movie but weren't quite animated enough? Well, your dream is now a reality—virtual reality that is!
Intimidate Cashiers with Your Eva Credit Card!
Why pay with cash when you have a credit card featuring Eva Robots from the popular anime show 'Neon Genesis Evangelion'?
Natural Disaster Survival Tube
This versatile emergency preparedness kit is smaller than a standard umbrella!
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Drones
Two dozen LED-illuminated drones dance to 'shamisen' music above a sleeping Mount Fuji. Trust us—this is one you'll want to see.
Internet on Your Phone: A Guide for Residents
In Japan, connecting your phone to the internet is almost easier as a tourist! Once you're a resident, it can quickly become a frustrating experience. However, there are several options out there, and you'll surely be able to find a suitable one.
Molecular Structure of Glass, Done in Glass
A Japanese design firm has recreated the molecular structure of glass—magnified one billion times—out of 5,000 pieces of glass.
Origami-Inspired Mural by Artist DAAS
It’s rare to find commissioned street art in Japan. However, there are exceptions, and this colorful mural in Osaka is one of them!
Marketing the Otaku Lifestyle Abroad
How do you sell otaku swag online, and where is the market headed from here? Find out in this interview with Tokyo Otaku Mode founder and CEO Tomohide Kamei!
