How Akihabara went from consumer electronics mecca to capital of ‘Cool Japan’
Akihabara has changed a great deal in the last 25 years. Back in the early ’90s, when Japanese electronics makers dominated the world and the…
Fashion brand POLS efficiently uses fabric to reduce waste in ‘Imaginary Journey’ collection
With the state of emergency extended until the end of May, travel is still a dream for most people in Japan. This makes fashion brand…
Policy battle heats up as PM Suga commits to cutting carbon emissions to zero by 2050
A big policy battle is heating up in Tokyo as ministries and business leaders consider what needs to be done to fulfil Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s…
Food left behind by pet dogs given to shelters in new animal welfare SDGs initiative
On May 11th, 2021, Biophilia, Inc., which produces and sells the handmade dog food brand “CoCo Gourmet,” launched the “WAN I NYARU food project” as…
Mitsukoshi Isetan suggests o-chūgen summer gifts with a “sustainable” focus this year
Summer gifts in Japan: O-chūgen Traditionally, there are two seasons for gift giving in Japan, お歳暮 oseibo (which means “year-end”) in winter and o-chūgen お中元…
Coca-Cola Japan releases freeze-dried green tea and coffee cubes for instant brews
As rewarding as it can be to settle down inside a nice café or teahouse for a good brew, sometimes those on the go (or…
HOKUSAI PORTAL puts the life of Hokusai under the telescope with over 100 dedicated articles
Katsushika Hokusai was and still is, arguably one of the world’s most famous and influential painters and printmakers. Over the past year a number of…
Kusatsu Onsen teams up with Rilakkuma in new Rilakkuma no Yu store selling limited goods
Tucked away at 1200 meters above sea level in the mountains of eastern Gunma prefecture, is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns; Kusatsu…
New take-out only store in Tsukiji specialises in Japan’s oldest fast food
Mehari-zushi, the original ‘fast food’…at least in Japan anyway. When most people think of fast food, the first images to come to mind are most…
Japan’s faceless lifelike cat plushie purrs in response to pets and acts as a heater
As many cat lovers will happily attest, there is no soothing energy that hits quite like that provided by a purring feline cuddling up on…
Marutomi Seishi’s ultra-long coreless toilet paper rolls cut waste and reduce carbon footprint
Today, May 10th, 2021, Japanese paper manufacturing company Marutomi Seishi Co., Ltd. launched “Penguin Coreless Ultra-Long MAX Pulp Sextuple Length 300-meter Single-Ply 2 Roll” packages…
Frito Lay is turning up the heat this summer with their Japanese spice infused snacks
For crispy snacks that pack a punch, look no further than the assortment of spicy flavours Frito Lay has just added to their most popular…
The ‘Espresso Shake’ is back for good with a permanent position on the Tully’s menu
The ever popular ‘Espresso Shake’ will be returning to Tully’s coffee store menus for good from 19 May 2021. Tully’s Espresso Shake is a frozen…
Exploring Rhizomatiks: It’s Not Just A ‘Perfume’ Music Video
Online or in person, Rhizomatiks makes digital phenomena accessible to all in an enjoyable, artistic format. Have fun exploring! Ayako Kurosawa, for JAPAN Forward How…
Will Japan’s Extended State of Emergency Work For or Against the Tokyo Olympics?
International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach has said the Tokyo Olympics will be “a light at the end of the tunnel.” Will that light ever…