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.
Japan's Best Flea Markets
Whether you're looking for arts, crafts, food or antiques, these are the best places in Japan to get your hands on unique items you won't find anywhere else, and at bargain prices!
Japanese Illustrator Brings Streets to Life
Masashi Shimakawa is a Japanese illustrator who uses his unique style to capture the everyday beauty of Japanese streets.
Osaka Contest for Mini-Gardens on Small Trucks
The Kei-tora Gardening Contest has chosen its winner for 2020. Click to see which mini-truck garden received to top prize.
Get Your Hands on the Ultimate Hand-Drawn Maze
The artist called Papa has once again picked up his pen in an attempt to outdo himself, creating one of the most challenging yet beautiful mazes we've seen.
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.
Exploring Art in the Ultimate Tokyo Staycation
If you're looking to dive deep into the art and culture of three of Tokyo's coolest neighborhoods without running yourself into the ground, this staycation itinerary is for you!
Complete Origami Experience at Origami Kaikan
Learn everything there is to know about the ins, outs, ups and downs of folding origami at this dedicated origami center.
Ginza Itoya: a Japanese Stationery Wonderland
Japanese stationery is among the best in the world and Itoya Ginza is one of the best places to experience it. A 12-story stationery wonderland with floors dedicated to a different themes, you're sure to be entranced for hours.
Shop for Your Dream Life at the Loft in Ginza
Ginza's Loft store is attempting to spark a little more joy and awe with items to inspire you every day.
Retro Maintenance Train Illustrations
The work of this Japanese illustrator focuses on Japan's unseen maintenance trains, which only work at night after regular service is finished.
Japanese Photographer Captures Deserted Tokyo
For almost 30 years, Japanese photographer Masataka Nakano has been capturing moments where Tokyo seems like a ghost town.
Flower Power at Takashi Murakami's Bar Museum
You've probably seen the signature bright smiling flowers of artist Takashi Murakami, but now you can enjoy his adorable art at Bar Zingaro.
Cover Your Face With a Creative Origami Mask
Simply called the Origami Mask, the idea first came to everyone’s attention thanks to an instructional video from a Polish Art school, which quickly went viral online. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s incredibly simple to make.
Work-Life Balance Improves with Tiny Business
An increasing number of Japanese people are starting tiny businesses with small funds, and find that their work-life balance is improving without having to sacrifice their livelihoods.
Eerie, Abstract Japanese Portraits
Japanese artist Teppei Takeda creates otherworldly portraits that are composed of intense, gestural brushstrokes.
Shimbun Nishiki-e: The Meiji-era Origins of Japan’s Lurid Tabloids
In the Meiji Era (1868--1912), some enterprising woodblock artists used their traditional skills to bring a mix of news and entertainment to the masses.
Make Japanese Pottery at Uzumako Art School
Don't just buy some Japanese pottery—why not make a piece yourself at the Uzumako Ceramic Art School?
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.
Meet One of Tokyo's Coolest Neighborhoods: Meguro
Coffee culture, antiques . . . even a Pig Cafe: Tokyo's Meguro is definitely worth a train stop.
