All About Japan

Iro Ken's Playful Paper Mobiles

When you're the son of comedians, your art tends to come out with a sense of humor.

Netsuke: Ancient Pocket Charms from Edo Japan

Take a look inside the beautiful and historical world of Japanese 'netsuke.'

Ukiyo-e Inspired Cutely Gothic Charms

Part adorable, part gruesome, these charms embody the works of one of the most influential ukiyo-e artist of all time.

Dive Into Ainu Culture

Discover the culture and traditions of the Ainu as we take an in-depth look into one of Japan's largest indigenous populations.

Beautiful Japanese Calligraphy on Jewelry

What better way to show someone you care about them than with accessories that outline Japanese words expressing gratitude or love?

Spinning Synthetic Silk

What gives silk its sheen, and just how did a Japanese company replicate it synthetically?

Totoro Washi Paper for All 4 Seasons

Whether you're into origami, scrapbooking or decorating, this Japanese paper will bring the magic of Studio Ghibli to all your favorite projects.

This Lobster Gundam Rocks!

One of the coolest Gundam we've ever seen, a custom (and organic) MSN-4 Sazabi Mobile Suit! You'll be shell-shocked when you see how it was created!

Ghibli in a Bottle?

These miniature models bear a striking resemblance to Ghibli's 'Laputa: Castle in the Sky' or the island of Merveille from 'One Piece.'

3 Top-of-the-Line Kokeshi Dolls

Kokeshi are traditional Japanese dolls expertly carved from wood. You’ve probably seen them around Japan, and after reading this article, you may want to start your own collection!

Explore This Tiny Ninja House

Sometimes hamster wheels aren't enough for our tiny rodent pets, so one YouTuber created a ninja house for hamsters, filled with escape panels and hidden floors.

Hammering Out the Shinkansen's Face by Hand

Just one company in Japan, with a mere 40 employees, uses hand hammering techniques to produce many of the Shinkansen's distinctive shapes.

Dyeing Technique Originated with Edo Lords

Along with Kyoto and Kanazawa, Tokyo is one of Japan’s three major traditional kimono-dyeing regions. Find out how the technique Tokyo Some Komon been passed down from the Edo Period to the present day.

Modern Designs Update Ancient Traditions

SOU SOU's patterns and styling remain sufficiently Japanese to intrigue visitors from abroad, yet they are contemporary enough to appeal to Japanese shoppers.

Art Student Creates a 'Plock'

Tick tock, what's a plock? Check out this hand-carved wooden clock that has over 400 moving pieces!

Embarrassed Engineer Invents 'Selfie Arms'

Who needs a selfie stick, when you can use 'selfie arms'!

Tools with a Happy Twist

Yuma Kano wants to cover the world with smiley-faced screws.

7 Toy Winners of the Good Design Award

Take a look at seven extraordinary award-winning toys that deserved design certification.

A Goth's Dream Doll

These porcelain figures would no doubt have been the go-to dolls for Emily Strange.

10 Stealthy Ninja Tools You Haven't Heard Of

Other than the classic ninja star, or shuriken as it's known in Japan, there were many tools ninja kept on-hand to thwart their enemies—and some of them will surprise you!

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