Drawing out the Japanese Spirit of Epidemics
The people of Kumamoto have a legendary spirit that comes in time of epidemics. All you have to do is draw a picture of it.
Nihonbashi's Neighborhood Noren Gallery
Over 30 Nihonbashi-based businesses came together to create noren (the curtains that hang in shopfronts) that symbolize their own identity.
Make Your Accessories Fab at FabCafe Tokyo
At FabCafe Tokyo, the first digital fabrication café in Japan, you can use an assortment of 3-D scanners and printers, laser cutters, and a fleet of knowledgeable staff to make custom accessories, unique greeting cards, and even decorate macarons.
Look Back at the Past Through Rounded Windows
Once you start noticing these fun retro windows with rounded edges, you might be convinced to photograph them all as well.
Lawson's Products Got a Brand New Bag
Japan’s third-largest convenience store chain recently hired design firm Nendo to re-brand the packaging on over 700 private label products. And the result is as stunning as it is subtle.
Unique Home Design Takes Steps Into the Future
When Akihiro Ito, half of the design team Nendo, wanted to build a home for his family and in-laws, he turned to his business partner to design it for him. And it features a set of stairs that appears to extend from the sidewalk through the house.
Astounding Origami Tea House
Come check out Shi-an, a mobile tea house constructed entirely from origami without the use of bolts or adhesives.
Designer Creates Free Template for Face Shield
Bespectacled Japanese designer Tokujin Yoshioka wanted to do something to help healthcare and public safety workers on the front lines of COVID-19, so he created a simple and easy way to make face shields.
Award-Winning Train Designed by Architect
Architect Kazuyo Sejima’s commuter express train, Laview, took home a prestigious award for its sleek, unique look.
A Pitcher that Looks Like Running Water
A Norwegian and Japanese design team worked together to produce a clear glass pitcher that looks like running water.
Using Washi Paper to Make Delectable Dishes
There's no better time than now to learn a new skill, and these intriguing Japanese papercrafts will leave you hungry for more.
Find a Bit of Zen with Every Bite of Toast
Japanese designer and watercolor artist Manami Sasaki has embarked on a series of creative stay-at-home breakfasts using toast as her canvas.
Hako in Hiroshima: Thinking Outside the Box
Take a look at this innovative home of stacked boxes, designed to overcome the challenges of building on the side of a cliff.
Antique Life Jin May Just Be Thrift Heaven
Scavenge for whimsical trinkets, vintage decor, and adorable animal motif goods at Antique Life Jin in Shimokitzawa.
Japan's 1918 Pandemic Prevention Posters
Even though Japan was widely cut off from much of the world when compared to today, the island nation still had to deal with the worldwide pandemic of 1918, better known as the Spanish Flu. These posters helped warn the populace of the time.
Ryosuke Otomo's Slice of Life Illustrations
Illustrator Ryosuke Otomo takes inspiration from the small, relatable moments of life.
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.
Designers' Office Roof Has a Few Holes
When it came time to design their own office in 2018, the architects at Studio Velocity in Aichi carried out their usual vision, albeit with a slightly more precarious footing.
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.
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.
