As the coronavirus pandemic rages unabated, nations around the world have started looking at each other to understand how they might impede the virus' spread. Some experts say customs and social habits in Japan such as wearing face masks during seasonal flu outbreaks, bowing rather than handshaking, and removing shoes at home might play some role in hindering … [Read more...] about Japanese customs: a guide in brave new coronavirus world?
Archives for April 2020
Japanese Actress Kumiko Okae Dies from Coronavirus
Japanese actress Kumiko Okae died from pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus at a Tokyo hospital on Thursday. She was 63. Okae, whose real name was Kumiko Owada, developed a fever on April 3 and was rushed to the hospital three days later after her condition suddenly worsened, according to her management office. She was immediately hooked up to a respirator and later … [Read more...] about Japanese Actress Kumiko Okae Dies from Coronavirus
Japan is getting a Disney Mickey Mouse Shinkansen bullet train this spring!
Japan is getting a Disney Mickey Mouse Shinkansen bullet train this spring! The Shinkansen is already the undisputed coolest way to get around the country, but even then, operator JR (Japan Railways) likes to occasionally add an extra dash of coolness to its bullet trains by decking them out in special salutes to beloved animated series. In recent years we’ve seen … [Read more...] about Japan is getting a Disney Mickey Mouse Shinkansen bullet train this spring!
Architects turned an illegal sex shop in Japan into an art gallery
It’s a bit small for an art gallery and studio, but as the old saying goes: “It’s not the size that matters, it’s how you use it!” Japanese firm Persimmon Hills Architects has redesigned an illegal sex shop into a studio and gallery. Renovated for Yokohama’s annual art festival, which sees the Koganecho Districts as a temporary open-air exhibition venue, the place cleverly … [Read more...] about Architects turned an illegal sex shop in Japan into an art gallery
In This Japanese Town, The Deer Roam Free And Befriend Visitors
If you’ve encountered a deer in your backyard or on a hike, you know they’re not really the most social of animals when it comes to humans. Most wild animals aren’t too keen on hanging out with humans, in fact. They’d rather high-tail it (literally) through the brush than stick around and be your friend. But then there’s Japan. Something about this place makes for extremely … [Read more...] about In This Japanese Town, The Deer Roam Free And Befriend Visitors
Hungry Hippos Chow Down On Whole Watermelons At A Zoo In Japan
Everyone has their favorite snack that they like to treat themselves to now and again. For me, it’s always been fresh strawberries. My grandpa grew them on his own farm before I was born, so I guess the craving must have seeped into my gene pool along the line. Whatever your own preference might be, whether it’s sweet or savory, there’s just no denying the mouthwatering … [Read more...] about Hungry Hippos Chow Down On Whole Watermelons At A Zoo In Japan
Japanese Idols Are Selling Their Used Bathwater for $900 a Bottle
In a bizarre new take on the business of idol merchandise, two Japanese idols of a J-pop girl group sold their leftover bathwater last month. Tenka no Chanyuki and Asuka Rei from The Banana Monkeys soaked in a tub that had turned purple from bath powder, which their label claimed to be particularly expensive. And so to recover the costs, their management decided to scoop … [Read more...] about Japanese Idols Are Selling Their Used Bathwater for $900 a Bottle
15 Photos That Prove Japan Is Not Like Any Other Country
You might know Japan as home to anime, sumo wrestlers and Cherry blossoms but What about all of their extremely innovative toilets? Have you ever Dreamed about Your train always arriving on time? Drainage canals that look like Koi ponds? Or Vending machines filled with fresh eggs? Viralspot has complied some Of the Weirdest inventions (seriously, you won't believe how many … [Read more...] about 15 Photos That Prove Japan Is Not Like Any Other Country
Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis
The 1960s saw a great improvement in Japan’s economy, including the railways. The first modern high-speed rail line opened in 1964 and many limited express trains and overnight trains started to cross the nation. After the popularity of Japanese sleeper trains peaked in the 70s, however, the country’s expanding network of bullet trains, domestic air routes, and cheaper night … [Read more...] about Japanese Sleeper Trains Look Ordinary From Outside But Their Interiors Are A Peaceful Oasis
Japan population drops at record pace in 2019
Japan's population shrank at its fastest pace ever in 2019, with the number of people of working age dropping to a new low, government data showed Tuesday, reflecting the rapid aging of society and low birth rate. The population fell 276,000 to 126.17 million as of Oct. 1, declining for the ninth straight year and recording the largest annual drop since comparable data … [Read more...] about Japan population drops at record pace in 2019
Inside the Fringe Japanese Religion That Claims It Can Cure COVID-19
When New York went into lockdown last month, emissaries of a religious group called Happy Science showed up in a ghostly Times Square to deliver a peculiar end-of-days gospel. They wore ritual golden sashes and huddled in a semicircle. “Doomsday may seem to be coming,” a young minister said. “But the greatest savior,” he continued, “our master, is here on earth.” One … [Read more...] about Inside the Fringe Japanese Religion That Claims It Can Cure COVID-19
Japanese Pottery Master Shows Off The Finesse That Goes Into His Beautiful Crafts
It’s always fascinating to watch an artist at work, especially when their craft is something we ordinarily wouldn’t see in-process. You can practically see the gears in their minds shifting while they add all the tiny, perfect details to their design. For example, artist Thijme Termaat’s panoramic painting is exhilarating to behold on its own as a finished product, … [Read more...] about Japanese Pottery Master Shows Off The Finesse That Goes Into His Beautiful Crafts