All About Japan

Make Your Own Japanese Fruit Sandwiches

A café staple for years, the fruit sandwich (furutsu sando) is back in the news, as new gourmet versions have caught the attention of sweet lovers. Here's a primer on making your own at home.

Simple Quiz Helps Find Your Ideal Saké

New Japan-based startup Kurashu is looking to help people break into the world of sake with a novel recommendation system and a web shop selling a curated collection of small-batch sake.

Nostalgic Trip to a Beloved Tokyo Neighborhood

The Shibamata neighborhood on the outskirts of Tokyo retains the essence of the city’s “everyman” past. An iconic films series has helped to preserve its charms.

Hibiki Whiskey Gets New Cherry Blossom Blend

Some good news for those of us getting through 2021 at home with a stiff drink in hand: Hibiki is coming out with some new whiskey blends, including one made in cherry blossom barrels!

The Vibrant Island Art of Tanaka Isson

The Japanese painter Tanaka Isson fled mainland Japan for one of the country’s most beautiful southern islands—Amami Oshima. There he labored for years in obscurity, creating large, vivid artworks of his subtropical surroundings.

Starbucks Welcomes Spring '21 with New Flavors

Every year, Starbucks hopes to capture Japanese springtime in a cup with annual sakura-flavored releases. And we just got a taste of their newly released offerings for 2021.

Haruki Murakami & Uniqlo's Very Unique Collabo

One of Japan's most prolific authors has something new for fans: a collaboration with Uniqlo!

Discovering Fukuoka's Autumn Treasures

Looking for an underrated time of year to explore Kyushu? This autumn, come to the city of Fukuoka for seasonal fun & feasting for the whole family!

Office Lunch Delivery Trial Begins in Tokyo

Real estate developer giant Mitsui Fudosan is trying out a lunch delivery service that targets Tokyo office workers.

Special Starbucks Mugs Showcase Local Artisans

Starbucks Japan has a series of tumblers and coffee mugs that highlight the splendor of local pottery, and our friends at Spoon & Tamago have compiled some of their favorites.

5 Places to Drink in Japan!

The definitive guide to Japan's nightlife is here!

Enduring Beauty: Japan’s Sustainable Cosmetics

From the biggest names in beauty products to smaller, more niche labels, Japanese cosmetic brands are tackling sustainability goals in a variety of innovative ways.

The World's First Disposable Paper Razor

One company is doing its part in reducing its use of single-use plastics with a completely disposable paper razor.

Why I Switched My Family’s Diet to Washoku

Learn how one family made a big impact on their diet by switching to Japanese-style home cooking.

This Aoyama Titanium Tumbler Store Is Metal AF

SUS Gallery has a new flagship store in the heart of Tokyo and it's sleek and stylish in silver and black.

Ochoko and More! All About Sake Cups

Deepen your knowledge of Japanese sake culture with this guide to sake cups and other drinking vessels!

Osechi: The Festive Cuisine of New Year's Day

Japan's unique, colorful New Year dishes are part of the traditional celebration of this auspicious day. Here's the story behind the holiday and the dishes that are enjoyed throughout the country.

Making Herbal Tea at Oyakuen Medicine Garden

Herbs and other botanicals with healing properties have been used for medicinal purposes in Japan for centuries. I had a chance to learn more about the historical cultivation of such plants, and make my own blend for tea, at Oyaku-en in Aizu Wakamatsu.

Japan Declares Second State of Emergency

Japan declares a state of emergency over the coronavirus for the second time, with the pronouncement covering Tokyo and three neighboring prefectures.

Closures Over COVID Continue in Japan

An increasing number of businesses across Japan permanently close their doors amid the ongoing coronavirus epidemic.

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