Japan, being a tech-savvy nation, boasts a large smartphone user base. There are some things that Japan does in a different way when compared to the rest of the world, but every country on the planet has been hooked onto smartphones with the advent of social media, online news, games, and video sharing. However, the…
Japan’s obsession with superheroes is nothing new, and it has reached a different level with many MARVEL characters getting a Japanese makeover and being unveiled, thus garnering much attention. The spread of fan culture across borders has enabled this idea of re-envisioning famous pop-culture characters from the West. The well-known toy company from Japan, Bandai,…
Fashion trends change at a fast speed in Japan, especially in the fashionable area of Harajuku. No matter how iconic a trend is and how much we love them, they don’t last forever. There will always be new ideas coming from an open laboratory of creative young people. This keeps the prevailing street style in…
In the past, some people believed that art should be void of color, emotion, and individual expression. They started expressing their feelings through works of art that were light and spacious in nature. This led to the founding of the Zero Group. One of its founders was Saburo Murakami, a Japanese artist who was born…
Japan is recognized for many things around the world, and one of these things is trains running on time. In a world where many countries struggle with aging transport systems and consistent delays and complaints, Japan is famed for having high-quality trains and punctual services. The latest news, then, of a train company in Japan…
You are probably familiar with the cute Japanese art form called “bonsai,” but are you familiar with the so-called art project “Air Bonsai?” This project allows people to create their own ‘floating star’ by growing and nurturing it. It was made by a small company called “Hoshinchu” in Kyushu, Japan. It doesn’t only treasure the…
Contemporary art is everywhere and comes in many forms. Some people appreciate it, while others prefer more traditional work. Japanese contemporary art has been influenced by several underlying factors. Some of these have come about through traditions and historical events. The country is known for being home to many pioneering artists who have transformed and…
Those who are familiar with the popular anime Yuri!!! On Ice would have definitely heard of their opening theme song “History Maker” by Dean Fujioka. This song has been a hit since the anime’s debut on October 5th, 2016, and the name Dean Fujioka has been linked to the anime ever since. However, did you…
‘Irasshaimase’ is a very common Japanese phrase which means ‘welcome’ or ‘please come in’, and it can often be heard when you step into a restaurant in Japan. Imagine the scenario of the staff greeting you, then leading you to your assigned table. Now, if you are new to Japan, you may ask yourself the…
It is no surprise that new fashion trends keep on sprouting in Tokyo. In 2017, another trend hit the neighborhoods of the capital city. Insanely bright and colorful painted skin is now considered a form of self-expression and is becoming increasingly popular. This new fashion trend is known as ‘Ishoku Hada’, which literally means unique…
