Secret Fireworks Shows Encourage Staying Home
In a project called "Cheer Up! Hanabi," over 140 companies have teamed up to shoot fireworks across all 47 prefectures at the same time. Before, the date was a secret, but we now have confirmation. Read on to find out when.
Award-Winning Train Designed by Architect
Architect Kazuyo Sejima’s commuter express train, Laview, took home a prestigious award for its sleek, unique look.
Toyota Invests in Joint Space Venture
Toyota Motor and three major Japanese banks invest in a new fund for space development aimed at nurturing domestic startups in the field.
Hotel Why Thinks Zero Waste Is Not a Question
Tokushima has a zero-waste policy, and Hotel Why is doing its part to be a call-to-action hotel. Why is it shaped like a question mark? Read on to find out.
Another Legendary Lego & Nintendo Crossover
First came the reveal of the Lego Super Mario set, which has fans’ hearts racing (and their wallets sweating). And now, the two companies are already getting fans hyped with another team-up.
Ryosuke Otomo's Slice of Life Illustrations
Illustrator Ryosuke Otomo takes inspiration from the small, relatable moments of life.
Japan Rolls Out Paid Plastic Bags Policy
Japan mandates businesses to charge customers for plastic shopping bags as part of efforts to tackle plastic waste. Stores are responding in various ways.
See Tennis Star Naomi Osaka Like Never Before
Tennis star Naomi Osaka appeared in GQ Japan’s June edition, in a cover that was actually drawn by her older sister, Mari Osaka!
A Home Ready for the 'New Normal'
Custom-home builder Aqurahome has unveiled features that can help residents take measures to keep the home cleaner.
Stay Comfy, Look Professional with WFH Pajamas
Business up top, casual down below, these pajamas will look to your colleagues like you're office ready.
Yamato Is Making Yukatas for All
Yamato, a kimono maker with over 100 years of history, decided to apply to their garments the concept of universal design, making them accessible for everyone.
Uniqlo Opening Cutting-Edge Store in Harajuku
Apparel giant Fast Retailing is opening a high-tech Uniqlo outlet in Tokyo’s trendy Harajuku area on Friday, June 5. Customers can choose clothing using a special app installed on these tablets on the wall.
Japanese Art Supporting 'Black Lives Matter'
Amid the ongoing protests and marches following the brutal killing of George Floyd by an American police force, Japanese artists in Japan and abroad are showing their support for the Black Lives Matter movement in the form of diverse artworks.
Fireworks Flying High All Across Japan
Following the surprise five-minute fireworks festivals that appeared all over the country, we finally got some pictures of the event from fireworks fans at home. If you couldn't see them from your area, then click through to see a sample of summer!
Lawson's Products Got a Brand New Bag
Japan’s third-largest convenience store chain recently hired design firm Nendo to re-brand the packaging on over 700 private label products. And the result is as stunning as it is subtle.
Making Japanese Washi Paper from Food Waste
An established paper maker in central Japan has come up with a new type of washi that’s also eco-friendly. Craftswoman Masami Igarashi has 25 years of experience manufacturing washi and related products. She now makes paper from vegetable and fruit waste.
Yubari Melon Gets Fraction of Last Year Price
The price of high-end Yubari melons fetched only one-fortieth of last season's price at the first auction of the season due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Toyota to Allow Permanent Work From Home
Toyota Motor will allow eligible employees to permanently work from home. Until now workers needed special permission to work remotely, but the automaker decided on the new measure due to increased productivity.
Learn How to Draw Totoro from Ghibli Producer
With a background in editing and artistic talent so great he’s been given his own exhibitions, Toshio Suzuki is now sharing the secret to sketching one character he loves to draw: Totoro from Ghibli’s 1988 animated feature film "My Neighbor Totoro."
How Fireworks in Japan Were Used for Epidemics
Learn more about the meaning of fireworks in Japan and why they are connected to COVID-19.
