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Japan loves travel and photography, and so it’s only natural that the country’s social media accounts are filled with gorgeous snapshots of breathtaking views and beautiful sightseeing attractions. Of course, with cool things hiding around seemingly every corner in the country, budding shutterbugs can be spoiled for choices in Japan, and so online research group Snaplace has … [Read more...] about Top Five places to take unforgettable social media photos in Japan

Ruu Matsutani Like a ray of Florida sunshine, Ruu Matsutani owes her seemingly limitless energy and her cheerful disposition partly to her naturally positive outlook and partly to the inspiration she received from the world of Disney. She was already cosplaying in her college years, but after working part-time for four years at Disney in Japan and one year at Walt Disney Land … [Read more...] about Cosplayers to Watch: Ruu Matsutani (Photos and Interview)

A cafe with an all-robot staff controlled by paralyzed people has opened in Tokyo. The cafe, called Dawn ver.β, held its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 26.Ten people with conditions like ALS and other spinal cord injuries are currently employed at Dawn, according to Sankei. From home, they operate the OriHime-D, a 120-centimeter (4-foot) robot that communicates, moves … [Read more...] about Cafe in Japan Hires Paralyzed People to Control Robot Servers

“Shinjuku.. Shinjuku..” anyone who’s been to Japan knows what I’m talking about and for those of you that don’t, these are the words you hear just before arriving at one of the busiest train stations in the world. Brightly lit skyscrapers, Pokemon and sushi are the first thing that come to mind when you hear the word Japan. After exploring the ‘land of the rising sun’ for a … [Read more...] about Photographer Spent 4 Weeks In Japan and This is what She Captured

New rules requiring greater scrutiny of applicants from five countries have landed Japanese-language schools with that little bit more paperwork. In February, the Immigration Bureau announced tightened rules starting in July for Japanese-language schools admitting students from Vietnam, China, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. The rules, which apply to schools that in 2015 … [Read more...] about Five-nation crackdown hits half of Japanese-language schools

The mini collection of “Samurai Moon” illustrations was created by the Chili Ferrets, two artists currently based in Canada who go by the name of Ash and Vice. When they aren’t creating their masterpieces, they can be found participating in events — most recently, Tsukino-Con 2016, a non-profit Anime convention held at the University of Victoria in British … [Read more...] about See Your Favorite Sailor Moon Characters As Samurais, Ninjas, And Demon Hunters!

Whether you're traveling around the country from the comfort of the bullet train or simply catching a lunch break, Japanese bento boxes provide some very delicious variety with your meal. Mom-and-pop bento shops offer up home-styled Japanese lunches on the cheap, school-kids can look forward to colorful character bento made by their parents, and those willing to spend a bit … [Read more...] about This Japanese ultimate wagyu beef bento costs almost US$3,000 (Photo feature)

Designers claim shirt was “born of a desire to show the appeal of hamsters,” but the real motivation seems to lie elsewhere. Japan’s Mocolle is known for high-concept, unique apparel. With its name a mashup of “mousou” (“delusion” of “fantasy”) and “collection,” Mocolle specializes in fanciful fashion crossovers, such as its Lolita maternity wear and Shinto shrine maiden … [Read more...] about Cute Japanese Hungry Hamster Shirt Turns Your Bust Into Bulging Hamster Cheeks

Because the last thing you want to do is wander through one of Tokyo’s massive stations while trying to hold in a dump. With pretty much the busiest mass transit system in the world, Tokyo also has some seriously huge subway stations. Major hubs in the Tokyo area are made up of seemingly endless corridors connecting various lines, shopping centers, and restaurant rows, … [Read more...] about Smartphone app finds empty restroom stalls in Tokyo subway station, makes pooing easier than ever

Kimono fashion often makes use of seasonal motifs, which is something that Japanese artist and Twitter user Kotetsu (@kotetsu_of) wanted to incorporate into his latest illustrations. He’s done an incredible job, too, as he recently shared a series of snapshots of a cute lass with a bob cut posing demurely while dressed in a dazzling series of kimono decorated with maple, … [Read more...] about Japanese artist shows amazing way to color illustrations: Let the fall leaves do it for you (PICS)

The comfiest Japanese kimono you’ll ever wear. Hot on the heels of their super stylish Hanten Kimono Coat Parka, Japanese company Mocolle is back with a brand new take on traditional fashion, and this time their design cues come from the furisode kimono. Furisode are Japanese kimonos traditionally worn by unmarried women, with long sleeves that range in length from … [Read more...] about New Japanese furisode kimono sweaters combine traditional fashion with modern streetwear

Tumblers and mugs feature some of Japan’s most beloved winter symbols. From sakura collections in spring to Christmas-themed ranges for the holiday season, Starbucks customers in Japan get to enjoy a wide range of collectible mugs, glasses and tumblers throughout the year, but for those who want something that says “Japan”, quite literally, then look no further than the You … [Read more...] about Starbucks Japan adds new winter Mt Fuji mugs to region-exclusive You Are Here Collection