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.
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.
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.
Haruki Murakami & Uniqlo's Very Unique Collabo
One of Japan's most prolific authors has something new for fans: a collaboration with Uniqlo!
Enduring Beauty: Japan’s Sustainable Cosmetics
Beauty Sustainable Development Goals
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.
Ochoko and More! All About Sake Cups
Deepen your knowledge of Japanese sake culture with this guide to sake cups and other drinking vessels!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
Why I Switched My Family’s Diet to Washoku
Ichiju-Sansai Healthy Japanese Food
Learn how one family made a big impact on their diet by switching to Japanese-style home cooking.
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.
