All About Japan All About Japan

Fresh start every Monday!

All About Purikura!

If you're not familiar with the exaggerated features and photographic fun of 'purikura,' you're in luck! This article takes a deeper look at the rise of these 'kawaii' Japanese photo booths, and what to expect when you visit one.

Keep Cool in Summer with Sailor Moon Yukata

What better way to stay (and look) cool than with a 'yukata' that represents your favorite characters from the hit series, Sailor Moon?

For Custom Fabric Colors, Go to Sumida-ku

Place an order with a swatch or color chip, and shops in this Tokyo district will delve into a formidable databank of colors amassed over the history of the craft to instantly dye your fabric to the exact color of the sample.

Kawaii Conan Spotted in Harajuku

After landing in Japan, the late night American comedian Conan O'Brien took to the streets of Harajuku to try out a unique Japanese fashion subculture.

Transformed Not by Alchemy, but by Sanrio

Hit anime/manga 'Fullmetal Alchemist' characters Edward and Alphonse Elric have transformed again, but this time it’s not the result of alchemy.

An Electronic Pop Homage to Kyoto

How many famous Kyoto sites can you spot in Clean Bandit's Japanese music video of "Solo feat. Demi Lovato?"

Stay Warm and Look Cool in a Kimono Parka

This awesome Japanese kimono parka combines traditional fashion with modern streetwear!

The Evolution of the ¥100 Shop

It's amazing to see what ¥100 can buy! It's even more amazing to see what DIY projects some creative customers are able to accomplish using only materials from ¥100 shops!

How Are Men's & Women's Kimono Different?

While traditional Japanese clothing may look the same to the average person, there are some variances between men's and women's kimono. See if you can spot some of the differences.

Taking Denim Beyond the Jean Jacket

Hiroshima is known for its denim. But the denim being made here may not be the kind of denim you know!

Endless Design Possibilities: Fukuyama Denim

Specialists in every step of denim manufacture—spinning, dyeing, weaving, washing—abound in Fukuyama, a leading producer of denim in Japan. The locale is a driving force behind the worldwide appeal of Japanese denim.

Get Ready for Summer with Sailor Moon Yukata

Experience your own 'miracle romance' in one of these Sailor Moon summer kimono sets.

360° VR Video Transports You to Japan

Swish the camera around and take a virtual tour of famous sightseeing spots as if you were in Japan, all in the comfort of your own home.

The Hand-Dyeing Specialists of Sumida-ku

If you're looking for custom, hand-dyed fabrics, these three specialists in Sumida-ku, Tokyo, are dyeing to set you up!

Japan's 5 Most Trusted Fast-Fashion Brands

Where do you go for fast fashion in Japan? Start with one of these five chains, ranked as the nation's most trusted brands in a survey of over 120,000 consumers!

Best Buys in Bargain Heaven Ameyokocho

If you're up for bargain hunting in Japan's capital, there's no better place to score good deals than Ameyokocho. Before you go, check out some of the best buys you can find at one of the most popular street markets in Japan!

Say 'I Choose You' & 'I Do' With Pikachu

These Pikachu wedding rings and engagement rings are so gorgeous you don't need to be a Pokémon fan to appreciate them... but it helps!

Pop the Question with a Pokémon Ring!

This solid gold diamond ring—featuring the adorable Pokémon, Mew—will certainly have them saying “I do!"

Chill Out in This Cool Tokyo Neighborhood

If you're sweltering in the summer heat, swing over to Tokyo's Nihonbashi neighborhood to cool down! Dress in yukata, listen to the faint whispers of chimes against the breeze, eat delicious sweets and visit the Art Aquarium.

Sharpen Your Look With Damascus Steel Watches

Wear a unique, exquisite timepiece filled with Japanese sword tradition on your wrist.

know-before-you-go