All About Japan

Toto's Bedside Flushable Toilet

Toilet-maker Toto has developed a bedside flushable toilet for use by people who are disabled, elderly or infirm.

Live Simply

Thinking of relying on the bare necessities when it comes to putting a roof over your head? Well, Muji has got you covered.

Schoolgirls Create Disaster Relief Toilet

A group of Japanese high school girls has created a sanitary and cost-effective portable toilet.

120-Year-Old Storehouse Reborn as Living Space

Aptly named the Rebirth House, this century-old storehouse survived the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake to be reborn as a stunning living space.

Eat the Future with Automated Sushi

While conveyor belt sushi restaurants are also quite common in the West, Japan has brought this kind of eatery to the next level—with automated sushi!

The Most Inspirational Japanese Teacher

One of the first JOCV volunteers was a Japanese language teacher who used her skills to teach Japanese to people in Laos and other developing countries beginning in the 1960s.

Public Toilet Looks Like a Mountain of Dessert

Artist Minako Nishiyama conceived of the project as part of the 2015 Oita Toilennale, perhaps the world’s first art festival dedicated to toilets.

28 Businesses & Regions Receive Toilet Awards

Despite the already remarkably high quality of public toilets in Japan, members of Japan’s national government are spearheading a nationwide campaign to upgrade Japan’s public toilets to an even higher level.

Ukiyo-e in Californ-i-ay

One early 20th century Japanese artist helped strengthen the cultural bridge between Japan and the U.S. by recreating the Golden State in ukiyo-e.

Using Carbon Fibers for Earthquake Reistance

Unveiled on November 13, 2015, Kengo Kuma's three-story "fa-bo" has been billed as the world’s first use of carbon fibers as earthquake-resistant material.

Spruce Up Your Home with Kyoto Incense Sticks

These Shofuan incense sticks come in one of 12 boxes, each matched to the seasons and events of Kyoto.

Live in a Tokyo Rubik's Cube

Takuro Yamamoto Architects have designed a brilliant little home that makes maximum use of Tokyo's cramped land space.

The Sushi Restaurant Run by Women

Tokyo's Nadeshico Sushi challenges gender roles with kimono-clad, all-female staff.

Hot Printing Startup Expands to Southeast Asia

With more than US$51 million raised to date, Raksul is currently one of the best-funded startups in Japan.

Seiwa Denko's Bio-Toilet is 100% Water-Free

Providing toilet facilities is a major issue in mountainous and disaster-stricken regions where water and sewer services are not available. To address this need, Hokkaido's Seiwa Denko has developed the Bio-Lux, a bio-toilet that uses no water at all.

Brett Mayer, Kanji Master

Meet the American man who became the only non-Asian to pass the top level of the Japan Kanji Aptitude Test.

Timber Slats Catch the Light on Awaji Island

The IZUE architecture firm, powered by three talented architects, decided to construct the perfect island getaway on the Seto Inland Sea.

Laser-Cut Seaweed Makes Beautiful Sushi

Wrap your sushi rolls in beautifully patterned, laser-cut nori!

Shodo Robot Combines Technology with Tradition

Watch a robot that can perform the delicate art of Japanese calligraphy.

Minimalist Sushi Shop is All About the Counter

Opened in June 2015, the small and intimate space at Tokyo's Yoshii is defined by a long, continuous reclaimed wooden counter that offers a truly minimal dining experience.

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