11 Lesser-Known Sporting Competitions in Japan
While the Tokyo Marathon may get a lot of attention, there are a number of other prime sporting events you can watch or take part in throughout the year, from triathlons and trail running to snowboarding and surfing.
Halloween on the Cheap
Halloween in Japan has become bigger, but that doesn't mean you have to spend big money to enjoy it!
Japanese Festivals: Hanami
Cherry blossom vewing, or 'hanami,' has a long tradition in Japan. Today people head out in droves to picnic beneath the blooming cherry trees, while more than a millennium ago, members of the royal court composed poetry just for cherry blossom viewing!
Tokyo Marathon: From Start to Finish
Runners from all corners of the globe come to participate in the Tokyo Marathon in February each year. In 2016, AAJ contributor Jinichi Segawa set out to run the course with camera in hand.
Tokyo Marathon: The Day We Unite
Launched in 2007, the Tokyo Marathon now draws up to 37,000 competitors, over 10,000 volunteers and more than 1.5 million spectators, and has become one of the world’s dominant marathons.
'Undo-kai': Sports Day
The opening ceremony of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics was held on October 10, which in 1966 became a national public holiday known as Health and Sports Day. Many schools hold athletic events and sports meets on this day.
Idols Treat Fans to Free Concert in Akihabara
SUPER☆GiRLS, Cheeky Parade, GEM and Wa-Suta bring Halloween to Akihabara!
Japanese Festivals: Shichi-Go-San
Every November 15, parents pray for the development and happiness of their 5-year-old boys and 3- and 7-year old daughters.
Hiroshima Has Pennant Fever!
For the first time in 25 years, the Hiroshima Carp have won the Central League title. It's a long-awaited reward for a city that has had an abiding love affair with these red-capped champions.
Tenjin-san Flea Market
If you're visiting Kyoto around the 25th of any month, be sure to stop by one of the largest shrine markets in the Kansai area and get yourself a souvenir! You'll be surprised at what's in store for you!
Japan’s Key National Celebrations
There are a handful of huge festivals and national traditions that are celebrated all across Japan each year.
Vamps Halloween Party 2016 in Kobe
Vamps give us Harley Quinn and Joker with guitars.
Japanese Festivals: Seijin no Hi
Established in 1948, Seijin no Hi (Coming of Age Day) is dedicated to those who have reached 20 years of age and are therefore considered adults in Japanese society.
17 Awesome Things to Do for Halloween 2016
In a city famed for cosplay and seasonal celebrations, you just know Halloween is going to be epic! And we've got 17 great things lined up for you!
Hikone Castle: A National Treasure at 410
2017 marks the 410th birthday of Hikone Castle, one of just 12 remaining original-construction castles in Japan. Join us as we take a look inside!
5 Ways Improv is a Sport
Japan's Health and Sports Day exists to promote an active lifestyle—that should count competitive improv, right?
LGBT+ Groups & Activities in Japan
As visibility for the LGBT+ community is increasingly growing around Japan, so are the number of groups that promote awareness. If you're looking to get involved, here's a great list of groups to get in touch with.
9 Things to Know About Rugby in Japan
Riding the back of a stunning victory over South Africa in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Japanese rugby has never before enjoyed such popularity among the Japanese public.
Japan's Top Music Festivals
Summer Festivals Summer Vacation
Summer is upon us, and that means one thing—the country is rocking with a wide variety of awesome music festivals!
Have Yourself a Merry Christmas (by Yourself)
Are you far away from family and your friends too are busy, leaving you on your own this Christmas? No need to succumb to singles' sadness. We've got some helpful advice to help you enjoy the holiday while flying solo.
