Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
The immaculately preserved Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is recognized as one of the most charming merchant’s quarters in all Japan. Located in Okayama Prefecture, local museums also feature masterpieces by El Greco, Monet and Picasso.
Inspirational Vintage Illustrations of Trains
Discover the many groundbreaking locomotive images by Japanese illustrator Koyata Yasui.
Sea-Inspired Miniature Newspaper Collages
This artist uses a wide range of multimedia—everything from snippets of foreign newspapers and magazines to 'nihonga' materials to create collages that illustrate the ocean that connects all.
Andy Warhol 'Randoseru'
With Japanese kids' backpacks becoming fashion icons in their own right, why not up the ante with a splash of Andy?
Otaku Tattoos Gaining Traction in Japan
While tattoos remain largely taboo in Japan, a new form of tattooing that draws on anime and otaku culture is helping change the local image of ink.
Hungry for Art? Try Some of These Cookies
A Japanese cookie artist turns blank cookie canvases into unbelievable edible masterpieces!
Reflective Paintings of Water Ripples
Artist Yoshihito Kawase creates stunningly quiet water ripple paintings that reflect on the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
Marketing the Otaku Lifestyle Abroad
How do you sell otaku swag online, and where is the market headed from here? Find out in this interview with Tokyo Otaku Mode founder and CEO Tomohide Kamei!
20 Japanese Words for Rain, in Art Form
How would you depict 'autumn rain' in a bottle? How about 'sudden rainfall'? Check out this design troupe's dioramas creating snapshots of 20 Japanese words for rain!
Temporary Tattoos Detect Soba Allergies
These temporary tattoos aren't just for show—they could actually save your life!
Merging Traditional Technique & Modern Imagery
Get to know Keisuke Yamaguchi, an artist who recreates 'ema' paintings for Shinto shrines, as well as creating his own stunning works inherently connected to the ancient concepts of Shintoism.
Japan’s 10 Coolest Subculture Illustrators!
Check out 10 of the cutest, coolest and weirdest subculture illustrators from Harajuku!
100 Views of Tokyo
Embark on an artistic journey throughout Tokyo with Shinji Tsuchimochi's 100 illustrations!
Top 3 Things to Experience in Takamatsu
From art islands to ancient gardens and intricate traditional lacquerware, there's plenty to enjoy in and around this Shikoku city.
Where Studio Ghibli's Paint Comes From
Founded in 1950, this 17-person paint company has colored the works of anime geniuses from Osamu Tezuka to Hayao Miyazaki.
Guardian of Travelers Now on Traffic Cones
These traffic cones are not only a sign of danger ahead, but will also protect you on your journey.
Don't Throw Shade on Your Shading Skills!
Have you struggled with getting just the right hue of blue? These pens can help you out!
American Photographer Promotes Island with Art
American photographer Patrick Tsai is part of a team helping to internationalize and revitalize the island of Shodoshima in the Seto Inland Sea.
Artist Duo Turns Japanese Puns into Art
'Dajare' is a form of Japanese wordplay, much like a pun, that relies on similar-sounding words to form the joke. Thanks to two artists, you can see some of these puns in groan-worthy visual form!
Captain America & Iron Man... Samurai?!
Iron Man and Captain America get a samurai makeover in this beautiful rendition of a classic 'ukiyo-e' painting.
