All About Japan

A Musical Scale to Maintain Social Distance

A mural by Eisuke Tachikawa is helping visitors to the Minato Mirai Hall stay socially distant while possibly getting the first few notes of Erik Satie’s Gymnopédie stuck in their head.

Traditional Tsugaru-Style Shamisen Rocks

A professional shamisen artist in Aomori Prefecture gives concerts and teaches people to play the Tsugaru-jamisen.

A Music Video Perfect for Social Distancing

Over 10 years ago, art director Masashi Kawamura teamed up with Japanese band Sour to produce a music video for "Hibi no Neiro." Needless to say, this was before our current reality, in which millions are staying home due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Monk Covers Marley with Buddhist Instruments

Don't you worry about a thing, because this musical monk will make everything all right with his Bob Marley covers.

Rock Out with Quarantine Collaborations

While Japanese singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino is social distancing at home in Tokyo, he's also "Dancing on the Inside” with his newly released YouTube video.

Drink 'Everlong' with Foo Fighters' New Sake

It’s not every day an American band announces it will be releasing its very own sake, but that’s what happened when rock royalty Foo Fighters uploaded a surprising new video on their official YouTube channel.

Young Drummer, Big Dreams

12-year-old drum wonder Hibiki Sakai is blind, but realized his dream of performing on stage with Japanese band Def Tech.

Discover 5 Classic J-Pop Artists

Listen to oldies but goodies from five of Japan’s very best singer-songwriters!

The Perfect Weekend in Okayama

One of a series of Perfect Weekends in Japanese cities. Lovers of art, food, history, and nature will all find something to help them spend a fantastic weekend in Okayama.

Violin Made from Iwate's 'Miracle Pine Tree'

A violin made from the lone pine tree that survived the March 2011 tsunami in Iwate Prefecture is featured at a memorial concert held in Tokyo on the 10th anniversary of the disaster.

Students Sing Out While Sheltering in Place

As students have been kept from their daily dose of in-person socializing and extracurricular clubs, sports drink Pocari Sweat’s recent ad starring a choir of sheltering-in-place junior and high school students has hit a resounding chord across Japan.

Masks for Musical Instruments

Masks have become an everyday necessity in the coronavirus age, and now there are masks for musical instruments.

Best Jazz Bars In Tokyo, Japan

If you’re going to Tokyo, and you happen to really enjoy jazz music, then these are the best jazz bars in Tokyo that you must visit.

7 Superb Festivals in Nara

Try and catch one of these fantastic events on your trip to this picturesque and historic city!

You Ain't Never Heard 'Aladdin' Like This!

Have you seen this stylish and dynamic performance by the members of two Japanese high schools? It's truly worthy of a full-scale Disney production!

Kobe: Japan’s Jazz Capital Celebrates 100 Years of Great Music

Kobe has been Japan's jazz capital for 100 years, and the scene remains lively with a healthy schedule of performances at bars and clubs, and annual jazz festivals.

10 Best Indian Restaurants in Japan

Learn about the best Indian restaurants in Japan that give you the best of both worlds.

Train Station Now Playing Music from 'Totoro'

Fans of Studio Ghibli's film “My Neighbor Totoro” will immediately recognize this famous tune now playing at a Saitama train station.

Turn Your Laundry Room into a Nightclub

It’s been just about a week since Tokyo and the surrounding areas were put under a state of emergency, and things are getting desperate for Japanese citizens stuck at home.

AKB48 Café Suddenly Closing After 8 Years

AKB48, Japan’s most popular idol group, gets its name from having 48 core members and being based in Tokyo’s Akihabara district, which is nicknamed Akiba. However, the neighborhood is going to be losing a big piece of its AKB48 connection very soon.

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