All About Japan

Think You're Cut Out to Be a Shrine Maiden?

A job listing site in Japan is currently featuring a very interesting part-time job in the new Akihabara Shrine.

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.

How to Be a Ninja in 6 Minutes

Want to be a ninja but don't know how? Fear not: Joe Bareta and his epic mustache are here to help you out!

How Japanese Textiles Enable Global Fashions

Nobuyuki Ota, the CEO of the Cool Japan Fund and an expert on fashions both domestic and overseas, expounds on the history and appeal of Japanese textiles.

Interview with the 'Last Ninja'

Learn more about the realities of the ninja world from the self-proclaimed, 'Last Ninja,' Jinichi Kawakami.

See How Momotaro Jeans are Made

Momotaro Jeans' craftspeople have dedicated their lives to denim. See how they produce a pair of jeans, from start to finish.

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!

Bidding Seniors Farewell with Sand Art

We wish our own high schools had sent us off into the adult world with these spectacular sand creations!

March 3: Girls' Festival

March 3 is a special day in Japan: it's the day of the Hina Matsuri, or Girls' Festival. On this day, girls are celebrated and families pray for their health and prosperity.

How do You Define 'Kawaii'?

Ad agency Dentsu seeks to visually define the term 'kawaii.' Do you agree? Watch the video and find out!

5 Ninja-Related Spots in & around Tokyo

No trip to Japan is complete without celebrating its signature order of clandestine spies and assassins! These five spots will give you your ninja fix while exploring Tokyo and beyond!

Samurai Slice Up Street Litter

These fearsome and attractive samurai aren't after your life—they're after your litter!

Mix it Up with a Musical Kendama

Made in collaboration with DJ Koo, this musical kendama toy lights up and makes DJ sounds when you successfully catch the ball.

Why Japanese People are Obsessed with Sakura

Cherry blossom viewing parties aren't just an excuse to get drunk in a public place, but a traditional practice of celebrating the coming of spring that has become an important part of Japanese custom.

Top 5 Sakura-Viewing Sites in Osaka

From castles to riverbanks, Osaka has some amazing spots for viewing cherry blossoms with your friends and family. Check out these sites during your next visit!

How to Play Go

If Google's AlphaGo program can learn this traditional two-tone board game, then so can you!

9 Reasons Why I Love 'Hanami'

'Hanami' literally means flower-viewing, but it actually refers to picnic parties that appear under the blooming cherry trees all across Japan every spring. Grace from Texan in Tokyo offers us her Top 9 reasons to love them!

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.

All About Gachapon

Get all the info you need to understand Japan's popular capsule toy machines.

Genderless Models Create New Fashion Culture

Just what does it mean to be a genderless model? Tokyo Girls' Update examines the principles while looking at internationally known icons and Japanese models.

know-before-you-go