Plathome: A Home Designed Around an Old Train
What would you do with an old train car? If you're architect Takanobu Kishimoto, you incorporate it into part of a house!
Spinning Synthetic Silk
What gives silk its sheen, and just how did a Japanese company replicate it synthetically?
Putting a Vital Railway Back on Track
Despite suffering massive damage in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the Sanriku Railway Company swiftly restored its services and has become a pillar of support for the region.
Japan's Magnificent Maglev
Japan's fast and super-efficient rail services have been the envy of the world for years, but the nation's newest train makes the speedy Shinkansen look like a tortoise.
Where Do Old Trains Go?
Most people envision Japan's trains as shiny, advanced, and new—but where do the old trains go when they're no longer needed?
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.
An Art-Inspired Approach to Bridal Services
Need some fresh ideas to plan a unique wedding in Japan? TeamLab is now offering digital installation wedding services in Tokyo!
Aichi's Maglev Still Running Strong
YouTubers Rachel & Jun introduce Linimo, one of only two maglev (magnetic levitation) trains presently open to public use in the world, the other being in Shanghai.
The 'Court House' is a Slam Dunk!
What happens when you combine a spacious house with a basketball court? An awesome, one-of-a-kind home that scores major points with sports fanatics! You'll have to see it to believe it!
Designing Fashion for All Aspects of Life
Takafumi Tsuruta believes fashion shouldn't just be about the runway, but about meeting you where you are in life: whether you’re in a wheelchair, have only one arm, or are on your way to a funeral.
Genderless Models Create New Fashion Culture
Just what does it mean to be a genderless model? Tokyo Girls' Update examines the principles while looking at internationally known icons and Japanese models.
Merry Melodies for Train Departures
After taking into account suggestions from the public, Tokyo Metro has finally settled on some J-Pop jingles for train departures.
Fashion Designed to Block Your Cell Phone
Want some time away from your cell phone? Conceptual fashion designer Kunihiko Morinaga has designed a line of clothing specifically intended to block electromagnetic waves, protecting us from the storm of information that inundates our lives.
How Japan's Trains Stay on Time
Ever wonder how Japan's trains stay so precisely on time? Hideki Hashimoto at the transport division of JR East's transport and rolling stock department explains the secret—and it's not just technology.
Are You Ready to Say Goodbye to Headphones?
Sony is developing a new device that gives you the ability to listen to music without putting anything in your ear.
How to Move a Rail Line in a Single Night
Watch this amazing video to see how 1,200 station workers in Shibuya shifted the tracks of the Toyoko Line from above ground to underground in just one night in March 2013.
Using Regenerated Energy from Trains
Since 2014, Tokyo Metro—the firm that operates the subway lines that run through downtown Tokyo—has been using regenerated power from subway cars to power the equipment in train stations.
Recovery Five Years After 3.11
As March 11, 2016 marks the fifth anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Highlighting Japan offers an update on the results and challenges of recovery efforts in the Tohoku region.
This 3DS LL Design is a Blast From the Past
For those missing the look and feel of one of Nintendo's earliest gaming consoles, this new Super Famicom-themed 3DS is a must-have.
Train Photographer Hirota Naotaka
Discover one of Japan's pioneering 'tori-tetsu'—a.k.a. train photography otaku!
