All About Japan

Masking Tape 'Paintings' Reproduce Famous Work

Japanese artist Nasa Funahara creates stunning recreations of classic art using a beautiful traditional form of masking tape.

Omotenashi of English-Speaking Geisha in Kyoto

The “flower town” district of Gion in Kyoto is where geiko and maiko in glamorous kimono enchant people with their talents, elegance and grace. One geiko in particular shines through her use of two languages; a unique dialect of Japanese, and English.

The Living Appeal of Bonsai Art

Bonsai, the art of planting and tending to miniature trees in pots, is a noteworthy offshoot of Japan’s vaunted gardening culture. Bonsai gained worldwide notice in the 1970s, and its popularity only continues to grow.

Immersive Exhibit Shows Night View of Earth

Japanese designer Eisuke Tachikawa created a technological art installation inspired by the illuminating statement of a Japanese astronaut who viewed the world from space.

Hokusai's "Great Wave" Splashes in Moscow

Katsushika Hokusai’s “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” is perhaps one of the most iconic images that Japan has ever exported. And it’s now emerged as a giant mural on the facade of a new development in Moscow.

Awesome iPhone Cases Show Off Surreal Tokyo

Japanese illustrator Shinji Tsuchimochi created his own '100 Views of Tokyo,' and has turned some of his whimsical & surreal prints into gorgeous iPhone cases!

Capturing the Perfect Pink of Sakura

The pastel pink of Japan's cherry blossoms paints the country for nearly a month in spring. One artisan has spent years trying to capture this color from nature and use it to dye fabrics.

Tokyo Festival to Celebrate Japanese Manholes

This Tokyo extravaganza will include everything from actual beautiful manhole covers to goods like miniatures and doormats, as well as manhole cover snacks and treats!

Limited-Time Redesign for Classic Snack, Pocky

For a limited time, Pocky, one of Japan’s most popular and well-known snacks, has tweaked its packaging design to be sleek and minimal.

Check Out a Tricky New Sign at Haneda Airport

A train operator gets creative using optical illusions in the hopes of enhancing safety of passengers from Haneda Airport.

Bread Artists Creations Look Too Good to Eat!

One Japanese artist has been heating up the bread community with her adorable toast art.

Memory Game Uses Japanese Manhole Art

A Japanese design firm has developed a distinctly Japanese version of the classic memory game, Concentration, using the awesome art found on manhole covers throughout the country!

Improving Traditional Crafts with Technology

Exchange students from the University of Buffalo learn about 'kumiki,' a traditional carpentry technique, from artisans in Hida, and use technology to bring this time-honored craft to the modern age.

The Ephemeral Art of Japanese Bathhouses

The artists who specialize in painting Japanese bathhouses are few in number, but their enduring artistic spirit ensures the profession lives on.

"Fall" for this Incredible Coloring Technique

Japanese artist and Twitter user Kotetsu combines illustration, photography, and the Japanese art of kirie to create breathtakingly beautiful artwork.

The Intricate Detail of Kirie Paper Cutting

The Japanese artist Masayo Fukuda has practiced 'kirie,' the art of cutting pictures from paper, for over 25 years. Take a look at her self-proclaimed greatest masterpiece from 2018, an incredibly detailed octopus cut from a single piece of paper.

Interactive Map of Real Life Ukiyo-e Locations

Ever been curious about where in Japan your favorite iconic ukiyo-e print is actually depicting? Wonder no more!

Japanese Fan Recreates Super Mario World 1-1

One amazing artist lovingly illustrated a favorite stage from the "Super Mario" series, and brought it to life in an incredible way!

Stationery Supplies Look Good Enough to Eat!

Japan’s love for all things stationery can’t be denied. And their reputation as a nation of foodies also holds true. So it was only a matter of time before the two collided.

Canvas Comes Alive in Immersive Installation

Japanese-Brazilian artist Oscar Oiwa has created an incredible, immersive installation that truly brings canvas to life!

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