All About Japan

What is Japan Reading?

Japan has long been known as a nation of avid readers, and books of all kinds—from manga to novels, self-help, and kids-oriented books—are a part of daily life. Here’s a look at the best-selling printed books of the first half of 2021, according to the Da

Tokyo Corners: The Unique Style of Sculptor Asakura Fumio's Museum

A visit to sculptor Asakura Fumio's former studio and residence, now a museum, in historical Yanaka, offers a look at one man’s vision of art and life

Pokémon Manhole Covers Adorn Japan's Streets

The roads of cities and towns throughout Japan are now dotted with colorful Pokémon manhole covers, creating a tantalizing treasure hunt for fans!

The Vibrant Island Art of Tanaka Isson

The Japanese painter Tanaka Isson fled mainland Japan for one of the country’s most beautiful southern islands—Amami Oshima. There he labored for years in obscurity, creating large, vivid artworks of his subtropical surroundings.

Colorful Couture Inspired by Jomon-Era Pottery

A fashion student is representing traditional Japanese pottery with his haute couture dressed that share more than a passing resemblance to ancient Jomon design.

Memorializing March 11 Victims in Mandala Art

Artist Yuri Shimojo turned a way to deal with the pain of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami into peace-filled art with her "Memonto Mori" series of mandala-like paintings.

A Guide to the Top Six Rooms at the New teamLab Borderless

teamLab Borderless finally reopened in the lower depths of the Azabudai Hills complex. Check out our guide to the top 6 rooms at the incredible new complex.

Moody Kiri-e Work from Musashino Arts Student

Musashino Arts University student Ayaka Chigira created this masterpiece by only cutting pieces from a single piece of paper!

Art Student Turns Polished Stones into Sushi

Mistake these rocks for raw fish and you'll likely lose more than your appetite!

Salt Used to Create Stunning Sakura Artwork

Artist Motoi Yamamoto's latest work is a moving tribute to his family, the fallen petals in his life.

How to See Japan's Imperial Treasures

A little known museum in central Tokyo offers a peerless collection of Japanese art, and a fascinating glimpse into the elegant and cultured lives of Japan's Imperial Family.

Exploring Azabudai Hills, Tokyo’s Latest Luxe Urban Microcosm

Mixing office, residential, retail and culture, Azabudai Hills is a bid to enhance Tokyo’s status as a competitive global city and a remarkable gamble in an era when remote work has become a serious challenge to traditional downtown office real estate.

Why I Love Nihonga (and Want You to Love It Too)

Nihonga is a genre of modern Japanese painting that uses natural materials and draws inspiration from nature and traditional themes in Japanese culture. Find out more, including the best museums in Japan to experience the unique beauty of nihonga.

New Library Dedicated to Haruki Murakami

Everything you want to know about author Haruki Murakami's new Kengo Kuma-designed, Uniqlo-funded library

A Visit to Japan's Keith Haring Collection

The only museum in the world dedicated to the works of Keith Haring, the legendary king of 1980's New York City street art, is is nestled in the forests of Yamanashi Prefecture.

Festival of Fashion and Design “TOKYO CREATIVE SALON 2024”

"TOKYO CREATIVE SALON 2024," one of the largest fashion and design festivals in Japan, will be held from March 14 (Thursday) to March 24 (Sunday), 2024, in 10 areas of Tokyo.

The Mesmerizing Art of Munakata Shiko

A major retrospective looks at how "time" and "place" shaped famous 20th c. printmaker Munakata Shiko.

Toilet Wonders of the Architectural World

Head to Shibuya in Tokyo to experience toilets like you've never experienced them before.

7 Must-Visit Spots in and around Matsue

Experience Japan's rich culture and history without the crowds of major tourist destinations in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture.

Artist Onogawa's 1-Centimeter-Wide Origami

Naoki Onogawa is sending up a tribute to the survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami with his incredibly tiny origami prayer cranes.

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