Nowadays, most people have mobile phones that are almost attached to their limbs, and the same is true in Japan. Mobile phones are everywhere, on the train, inside waiting areas, on the streets, and in restaurants! In Japan (and probably around the world), there are various reasons people are glued to their mobile phones –…

Where’s the best place in Tokyo to get my otaku on? Ask anyone and you can be sure to get one, unified answer: Akihabara, the electric city. What was considered a black market in years gone by has now transformed into the heart of otaku culture in Japan. Strolling around Akihabara, you’ll be awed by…

Did you know that some people prefer to go on DIY train tours? They ride one train line and go to attractions near the stations connected to the line. In Osaka, one line that visitors can consider hopping onto is the JR Osaka Loop Line. Operated by JR West, the Kanjo-sen (Osaka loop line) circles…

When someone decides they want to learn an instrument, they usually have at least a few instruments in mind. Leading those choices, most of the time, is the ever popular guitar. Jimi Hendrix, Slash and Japan’s very own late hide of X Japan are just some of the names aspiring guitarists look up to. So…

Are you a fan of Hatsune Miku? Do you wish to see Hatsune Miku perform live, but are unable to do so? Do you want to bring Hatsune Miku with you wherever, whenever and hear her vocaloid singing talent on demand? Fret not! Nendoroid and iDoll are teaming up to bring a palm-sized Hatsune Miku…

Ken Watanabe. Devon Aoki. Rinko Kikuchi. They are just a few Japanese actors that are widely recognized in Hollywood. While Hollywood is no stranger to Asian artists trying to cross over, there are just a few who stand out. One of them is Rila Fukushima (福島リラ), who is slowly but surely making her name a…

The phenomenal virtual singer Hatsune Miku no longer needs a lengthy introduction. But for the uninitiated, Miku originated as a voice synthesiser software that was initially intended for professional musicians in 2007. Little did the world know that this software would take over the world, represented by a virtual 16-year-old girl with her now famous…

Aside from being touted by many as one of the world’s best amusement parks, Tokyo Disney Sea is also a haven for themed treats and snacks. Just like its sister, Tokyo Disneyland, snacks are abundant in Disney Sea and choosing which on to get can be quite daunting for a newbie visitor. Don’t fret! Here…

Don’t believe anyone who says they don’t like to eat. We can immediately assume that they must be not from this planet because who isn’t in love with food? Humans love food, even animals revere food! However, Osaka takes it to a whole new level. boutiquejapan.com/ Osaka is passionate about food, as validated by the…

Here in Japan, we have mascots for everything. Lovingly called Yuru-Kyara by the locals, nearly every commercial brand and even prefectures and municipalities in the country are represented by these cute characters. Name a location and I’ll bet you that they are represented by characters that are definitely cute and endearing. While mascots are not…