
Award-Winning Train Designed by Architect
Architect Kazuyo Sejima’s commuter express train, Laview, took home a prestigious award for its sleek, unique look.

Shibuya Public Restrooms Get Designer Makeover
The Nippon Foundation is collaborating with the ward and 16 world-renowned architects and designers to transform 17 public lavatories.

Touch of Tradition with Modern 3D Cutter Cabin
This remarkable wooden cabin was constructed locally in the mountains of Japan using a Shopbot 3D wood cutter, with minimal impact on the environment. Click to learn more.

Hotel Why Thinks Zero Waste Is Not a Question
Tokushima has a zero-waste policy, and Hotel Why is doing its part to be a call-to-action hotel. Why is it shaped like a question mark? Read on to find out.
Sculptor Creates Heroes Using 100-Yen Toys
For 35 years, since he was in grade school, the sculptor Tomohiro Yasui has been making paper robots. However, he's been recently targeting his creative energy at the cheap toys and snacks sold at 100-yen shops around Japan.
Get Good Lighting from Stylish Hurricane Lamp
Check out these cool floor lamps made from swirling water into a small hurricane.
Kyoto's Ace Hotel Got a Kengo Kuma Makeover
Star designer Kengo Kuma unveils his latest architectural feat: renovating Kyoto’s Ace Hotel.
Japan Packaging Design Award 2021
Every two years, the Japan Packaging Design Awards celebrate the achievements of stellar and captivating product designs, and the winners for 2021 have just been announced.
Homeowners Open Public Bath Under Their House
As thousands had been displaced in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, the disaster revealed one of the flaws of the community: there were no public baths. Until now!
Old Village Station Now Cool Art Installation
Check out this new art installation that's recently revitalized the Aomori village of Inakadate.
It's Not Over Yet for This 88-Year-Old 'Sento'
There's been a trend of sento, or public baths, closing across Japan. But for one aging Tokyo business, the open sign will be hanging longer, with an incredible new interior.
Find Your Perfect Room at this Kyoto Hotel
This new, boutique hotel in Kyoto is serving up a completely different look in each room.
Tadao Ando Livens Shibuya with Toilet Project
Famed Japanese architect Tadao Ando shows off his circular submission to the Tokyo Toilet project.
Bringing a 70-Year-Old Sento into Modern Day
It’s said that in Tokyo every week another sento goes bust. One of those was Miyanoyu, located in the Nezu district of Tokyo.
Artists Already Remixing Osaka Expo 2025 Logo
Earlier this week Osaka announced that they had chosen a bizarre, googly-eyed character as their logo for the upcoming 2025 Osaka Expo. And over the next 24 hours, remix culture quickly set in and social media has been buzzing with creations.
Huge Harajuku Shopping Structure Set for 2022
The west corner of Jingumae Crossing has largely remained unchanged for the past 50 years, but that's set to change in 2022 with a new, reflective shopping complex.
New Hanko Ink Lets You Use Colors of Nature
These inks won't let you paint with all the colors of the wind, but you can now stamp your name with different colors inspired by nature.
Rei Kato's Illustrations Summon the Summer Sky
Get in that summer spirit with the brilliant yet washed out white and blue illustrations of Rei Kato.
Ramen Mask Makes Use of Your Steamy Glasses
Sensible individuals are opting these days to stay indoors as much as possible and use masks when outdoors. But, there’s nothing in the social rulebook saying your mask has to be sensible.
Kindergarten Renovated for 100-Year Birthday
Peep this dazzling update to a 100-year-old kindergarten using existing buildings!