Capsule hotels have become one of Japan’s best-known novelty stay experiences — up there with love hotels and the place run by robot dinosaurs. The concept is pretty simple: rows of compact, self-contained sleeping pods stacked side by side, often with shared bathrooms and commun … | Continue reading
Nintendo announced on Wednesday that it had sold a record 3.5 million Switch 2 units worldwide in the first four days after the launch of the console. The astonishing figure surpasses the first month’s sales of the original Switch (2.7 million units) and Sony’s PlayStation 5 (3.4 … | Continue reading
June in Japan brings the enchanting rainy season (tsuyu), transforming the country into a lush wonderland dotted with pastel hydrangeas, known as ajisai in Japanese. While the frequent showers might seem daunting, this is actually one of Japan’s most beautiful and underappreciate … | Continue reading
Many people sometimes feel like they were born in the wrong century. Junnosuke Date — or “Date Junnosuke” according to pre-Meiji naming conventions — sure did. A descendant of the legendary warlord Date Masamune, known as the One-Eyed Dragon, Junnosuke was part of the first wave … | Continue reading
What started as a viral indie game with 1.4 million downloads worldwide has transformed into one of the most talked-about films at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Exit 8, a Japanese horror film adaptation, was officially selected for the prestigious Midnight Screening section and … | Continue reading
Prominent Japanese voice actress Megumi Hayashibara has sparked debate online following her latest blog post. The 58-year-old Tokyo native, who’s most well known for her role as Rei Ayanami in Neon Genesis Evangelion, shared her concerns about Japan’s cultural identity and politi … | Continue reading
Prominent Japanese voice actress Megumi Hayashibara sparked an online debate earlier this week following her blog post on Sunday. The 58-year-old Tokyo native, who’s most well known for her role as Rei Ayanami in Neon Genesis Evangelion, shared her concerns about Japan’s cultural … | Continue reading
In a country celebrated for its four distinct seasons, Japan adds a fifth, lesser-known season that bridges spring and summer: tsuyu, the rainy season. For travelers planning a visit between May and July, understanding this meteorological phenomenon can make the difference betwee … | Continue reading
A development project near Mount Yotei in Hokkaido has been ordered to stop after authorities found possible violations of Japan’s Forest Law, sparking renewed scrutiny of building practices in the rapidly growing Niseko tourism area. Work Stopped in Kutchan’s Tatsumi District On … | Continue reading
With Expo 2025 currently taking place in Osaka, there’s a lot of focus on Japan’s second city right now. With that in mind, we thought we’d take a look at some of the best bar and restaurant openings in the region this spring. Canes & Tales, Waldorf Astoria Osaka An intimate 47-s … | Continue reading
Residents in a seven-story apartment building in Tokyo’s Itabashi ward were outraged after a new foreign owner suddenly raised the price of their rent from ¥72,500 to ¥190,000. The reason given for the approximately 2.5-times increase was rising costs. However, it has been sugges … | Continue reading
It is no secret that Japan has some of the world’s best and most innovative designs. From minimalist architecture to intricate textiles, Japanese design consistently pushes boundaries while maintaining its traditional aesthetic codes. Among these, the humble umbrella — an essenti … | Continue reading
When you’re coming from a foreign land where toilet seats are ice-cold and suspicious stains are the norm, Japanese toilets feel like a rare luxury. They’re clean, cutting-edge and, most importantly, never face a weird door gap that ensures awkward eye contact with airport strang … | Continue reading
As rainy season sweeps across Japan, vibrant bursts of color begin to bloom in gardens, temples and parks — signaling the arrival of hydrangea season. Celebrated for their lush petals and shifting hues, hydrangeas, or ajisai in Japanese, hold a special place in the country’s earl … | Continue reading
Tokyo is set to celebrate Pride Month in June 2025 with a vibrant lineup of LGBTQ+ events, marking a significant evolution in the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. From the annual Tokyo Pride Parade to queer community events, here are some events not to miss this mont … | Continue reading
This week’s news roundup is dominated by baby-related stories. We report on the latest figures concerning Japanese births as they continue to decline at an alarming rate. Mako Komuro, the eldest daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Akiko, welcomes her first child. … | Continue reading
In an interview with The New York Times that was published last week, Ashley St. Clair, a conservative influencer who announced that she gave birth to Elon Musk’s 14th child in February, claimed that the world’s richest man has also fathered a baby with a Japanese pop star. Unsur … | Continue reading
A Japanese Kick streamer who goes by the name of Zokkunzokkun was arrested on Monday on suspicion of violating the prefectural nuisance prevention ordinance. His crime: running around a residential estate in Chiba Prefecture while wearing women’s underwear on his head. One woman … | Continue reading
On Tuesday, Dalian police confirmed that a 42-year-old male suspect of Chinese nationality has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the deaths of two Japanese men on May 23. The suspect and two victims were reportedly business partners in Japan who had been visiting Dal … | Continue reading
Looking for an anime event to nerd out at? We’ve got you covered for the month of June. Take a look at all of the exciting anime-themed pop-up shops, cafes and art exhibitions in our list below. Tokyo Anime and Manga Events in June Related Posts Japan’s First AI-Powered Anime Set … | Continue reading
Between the glittering towers of Roppongi and the iconic silhouette of Tokyo Tower lies one of the capital’s most enchanting neighborhoods. Azabu Juban is a district where centuries-old traditions seamlessly blend with international sophistication, creating an atmosphere unlike a … | Continue reading
Tokyo’s art scene is extensive and vibrant, and there’s always so much to see. Whether you want to see some traditional Japanese art or a modern exhibit, here’s a list of exhibitions happening in Tokyo that are worth checking out. Tokyo Exhibitions in June Tokyo Art Shows in June … | Continue reading
Former Yomiuri Giants legend Shigeo Nagashima passed away on Tuesday morning due to pneumonia. He was 89. One of the most popular Japanese players in the history of the sport, he was referred to as “Mr. Professional Baseball” and “Mr. Giants” in this country. During his 17-year c … | Continue reading
The Imperial Household Agency recently confirmed that Mako Komuro, the eldest daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Akiko, has given birth to her first child. The agency’s Grand Master, Naomasa Yoshida, didn’t disclose the date of birth or sex of the baby, though, … | Continue reading
A critical component of healthcare, blood transfusions play a vital role in saving lives around the globe every day. Maintaining an adequate blood supply, though, is no easy task, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). The demand for O–negative blood — the unive … | Continue reading
Here is what’s happening across Tokyo for the month of June. Check out exhibitions, festivals, events and more! Tokyo Exhibitions and Art Shows in June Tokyo Festivals and Outdoor Events in June Tokyo Live Music and Night Life Events in June Tokyo Community and Family Events in J … | Continue reading
Get ready to paint the town rainbow for this year’s Tokyo Pride. The event is expanding its programming in 2025 and shifting to June to align with the global Pride Month. That means more events, more visibility and more reasons to celebrate love and diversity in one of the world’ … | Continue reading
If you’re traveling to Japan during the rainy season, checking the weather app can be mildly upsetting — popular areas like Kyoto and Tokyo may display a continuous streak of drizzly cloud icons. But a little rain in Kyoto can actually be a blessing in disguise, offering a unique … | Continue reading
In this week’s news roundup we report on the revised Family Registry Act, which is cracking down on kirakira names. Japanese universities consider accepting foreign students from Harvard. An ANA flight is forced to make an emergency landing after a man tries to open the exit door … | Continue reading
On Tuesday, Japan’s education ministry called on universities nationwide to consider accepting or supporting students who may no longer be able to study in the United States. The move comes after the US government announced that it planned to revoke Harvard University’s ability t … | Continue reading
Onosato was promoted to the highest rank of yokozuna on Wednesday following his Summer Grand Sumo Tournament triumph. The 24-year-old Ishikawa Prefecture native achieved the feat after just 13 professional tournaments, making him the fastest to attain the exalted rank in the mode … | Continue reading
As summer sweeps across Japan, the night skies come alive with dazzling displays of color and sound during the country’s beloved fireworks festivals, known as hanabi taikai. From riverside shows in Tokyo to elaborate festivities in Tohoku, these events draw millions of spectators … | Continue reading
There are few periods in modern art history as revolutionary and prolific as the one spanning the 1920s to the early 40s in Paris. Beginning with les années folles — “the crazy years” — the epoch saw an explosion of experimental art, music, literature and film. Writers and painte … | Continue reading
Imagine waking up to wafts of the gentle sea breeze, then looking out the window to find yourself completely surrounded by azure waters. This is what it is to stay at Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island, Okinawa, a one-of-a-kind destination where traditional Okinawan culture and stunni … | Continue reading
Working as a shuttle bus driver for Tohoku Electric Power Company, Sadao Obata narrowly avoided death following the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami in 2011. His family also survived, but his home and car didn’t. In the aftermath of the disaster, he felt the best thing he … | Continue reading
This article appeared in Tokyo Weekender Vol. 2, 2025. To read the entire issue, click here. Almost 1,200 years ago, one of the most famous Japanese monks, Kukai, entered his eternal meditation on the eastern peak of Mount Koya. The monk, known posthumously as Kobo Daishi, slippe … | Continue reading
This article appeared in Tokyo Weekender Vol. 2, 2025. To read the entire issue, click here. Seeking inspiration in a hyperdigital age means sorting through a dizzying stream of regurgitated aesthetics, fleeting microtrends and predictable personas — but Tiara, a Tokyo-based grap … | Continue reading
This article appeared in Tokyo Weekender Vol. 2, 2025. To read the entire issue, click here. The buzzword of 2024, overtourism is a major issue in Japan these days, and nowhere is it more apparent than in Kyoto. Known for its delicate balance of ancient traditions and modern arti … | Continue reading
This article appeared in Tokyo Weekender Vol. 2, 2025. To read the entire issue, click here. As old capitals of Japan, Kyoto and Nara have long been centers of faith and tradition, the mountains around them revered as sacred spaces bridging the natural and the divine. Scattered t … | Continue reading
This article appeared in Tokyo Weekender Vol. 2, 2025. To read the entire issue, click here. Tucked away in an unassuming nook of the elegant neighborhood of Aoyama, Narisawa (stylized as NARISAWA) is an experimental fine dining restaurant acclaimed for its innovative and cerebra … | Continue reading
This article appeared in Tokyo Weekender Vol. 2, 2025. To read the entire issue, click here. When Netflix released The Boyfriend, Japan’s first same-sex dating program, it became an overnight sensation, praised for its honesty, slow-burn romances and lovable cast. One of its brea … | Continue reading
This article appeared in Tokyo Weekender Vol. 2, 2025. To read the entire issue, click here. On a quiet side street in Tokyo’s Ogikubo neighborhood, sunlight streams through the windows of a small antique studio filled with ceramic fragments, brushes, powdered gold and bowls in v … | Continue reading
This article appeared in Tokyo Weekender Vol. 2, 2025. To read the entire issue, click here. My first full-time job straight out of high school was as a mechanic. Since then, I’ve spent a lot of time around cars, in cars and under them. Naturally, I’ve also attended my fair share … | Continue reading
This article appeared in Tokyo Weekender Vol. 2, 2025. To read the entire issue, click here. The mesmerizing, swirling curls of cerulean and ivory that form the Naruto whirlpools — the world’s largest vortex — are just one facet of Awaji Island’s prismatic beauty. Floating on the … | Continue reading
This article appeared in Tokyo Weekender Vol. 2, 2025. To read the entire issue, click here. Away from the gleaming splendor of Kyoto’s golden pavilion and bustling historic walkways lies a sleepy seaside village, untouched by the accelerated rhythms of metropolitan life. Here, y … | Continue reading
Kawagoe has earned the nickname “Little Edo” for a reason — it’s brimming with impeccably preserved historic buildings, traditional food offerings and unique cultural experiences. Located in Saitama Prefecture, the city is a less than an hour’s train journey away from Seibu-Shinj … | Continue reading
For newcomers to Tokyo, shopping for groceries in Japan can feel like entering an alternate universe. The neat rows of unfamiliar products, the meticulous packaging and the sheer variety of items you’ve never seen before can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re a lon … | Continue reading
Can you imagine traveling back to the Meiji era, and among the carriages and machiya townhouses you spot Yoshinoya? It’s one of the biggest fast food chains in Japan, renowned for its gyudon beef bowls and lightning-fast service. It’s a dependable comfort spot you can rely on for … | Continue reading