Kyoto starts smartphone trial to encourage better manners among foreign tourists in Gion
October 1, 2019
/William
Japan is currently enjoying a massive boom in inbound tourism, set to continue through the Rugby World Cup and at least until the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo next summer.
One issue, however, with ...
Weekly tabloid Shukan Post stokes Japan-Korea tensions with latest issue
September 3, 2019
/William
As relations between Japan and South Korea continue to sour, resulting in a boycott of Japanese products and the cancellation of a major art exhibition, the latest issue of weekly magazine Shukan ...
An artwork dealing with the historical comfort women issue has ignited one of the biggest scandals in the Japanese art world.
Created by a South Korean husband-and-wife team, Statue of a Girl of ...
Paternity harassment victim Glen Wood launches support campaign ahead of lawsuit
June 20, 2019
/William
The former Mitsubishi Morgan Stanley employee Glen Wood who alleges he was punished and dismissed for trying to claim his lawful right to paternity leave has released a video asking for support ahead ...
Fashion magazine Vivi t-shirt tie-up with Liberal Democratic Party attracts criticism
June 14, 2019
/William
Many Japanese fashion magazines are suffering from declining sales. To boost their economic prospects and keep creditors at bay, publishers may attempt new directions and types of content, or ...
Last year's fatal summer raised serious concerns about the safety of holding the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo during July and August. With temperatures this month already breaking records, all eyes are on ...
The Japanese media and entertainment world can be almost Stalinist in its approach to damage control. When a celebrity is arrested for an infraction, and especially if it involves drugs or illegal ...
Kabuki livens up pre-flight safety demonstration videos for ANA
March 19, 2019
/William
This is certainly a novel way to get people's attention.
Japan's leading airline ANA has turned to kabuki to liven up the standard pre-flight safety demonstration. As you would expect when kabuki ...
Licca-chan I Love Sumikko Gurashi Doll
Cute San-X character dress doll
Kyoto temple creates android version of Buddhist goddess of mercy
February 28, 2019
/William
The old capital of Kyoto is associated first and foremost with classical culture, but what about androids?
The temple Kodaiji in Kyoto has installed Mindar, the world's first android version of ...
Vending machines in Tokyo now let you charge your mobile phone for free
February 22, 2019
/William
If you are caught short of power for your mobile phone while out and about, your options are often limited to buying an expensive portable battery unit or, in the case of certain, service providers, ...
Sakura Chill Bar in Tokyo has seasonal cherry blossom pool with 1.2 million petals
February 19, 2019
/William
While the weather in Tokyo is still rather chilly, spring is just around the corner, which means one thing more than any: the arrival of the cherry blossom.
Along with the white and pink petals, ...
Unko Museum in Yokohama offers interactive, colorful exhibits all about poop
February 13, 2019
/William
Joining such attractions as the long-running and popular Cupnoodles Museum, visitors to Yokohama this spring have another must-see destination to add to their itinerary, and it's all about ...
Social Media Omamori Amulet Set
Traditional talismans for the internet
Virtual YouTuber Hiyatoi Reiko promotes Osaka slum district of Kamagasaki, Nishinari
January 18, 2019
/William
For some years now, the slum areas of Japanese cities like Sanya in Tokyo and Kamagasaki (now officially known as Airin) in Osaka have experienced a curious form of gentrification, led by the rise of ...
Get lost in this visually stunning children’s book of labyrinths by junaida
January 16, 2019
/William
The artist junaida has created a dazzling, beguiling children's book that readers of all ages will love.
Unfolding across 46 pages and designed by Hal Udell, Michi depicts a series of vibrant, ...
Final Fantasy XIV Wedding service recreates marriage ceremony from video game
January 7, 2019
/William
Final Fantasy fans looking to get hitched in the near future may want to consider a ceremony that marries them to their hobby as well as their spouse.
The Final Fantasy XIV Wedding service will be ...