Traditional Japanese Sandal Makers Invent Virtually Painless ‘Spongey’ Geta
You’ll probably hear them before you see them. The sound of geta sandals clopping along the street is synonymous with the summer festival atmosphere in…
Kimono
Feel The Beauty and Spirit of Japanese Women in Kimono at Miki Katoh’s Solo Exhibition
Miki Katoh is a Japanese artist who is truly dear to our hearts here at grape Japan. Her exquisite work “Auspicious Omens” graces the top…
Kim Kardashian West Drops “Kimono” Underwear Name Following Backlash
Media personality and fashion entrepreneur Kim Kardashian West found herself on the receiving end of heavy criticism last week after she announced plans for a…
‘For Those Who Want to Birth Biracial Children’ Controversial Kimono Advertisement Resurfaces on Japanese Twitter
There’s many reasons people wear kimono. Maybe they are attending a traditional event or festival. Perhaps they’re doing a photoshoot, or it may even be…
Clear Japanese Umbrellas With Traditional Art Motifs Pair Perfectly With Kimono And Yukata
Earlier this year, we saw a stunningly gorgeous traditional Japanese style umbrella (wagasa) inspired by the country’s equally beautiful cherry blossom season. While fluttering sakura…
Japanese Tire Manufacturers Show Off Chic Tire Tread Pattern Summer Kimono
As the weather gets warmer here in Japan, we edge slowly but surely into yukata season. Yukata are light kimono, worn in the summer for…
Kimono Fashion Can Be Cool — Trust Designer Jotaro Saito
(by Arielle Busetto for JAPAN Forward) Jotaro Saito doesn’t go unnoticed when walking down a street. The day I met him at Kanda Myojin, he…
Nobel Prize Winner Forgoes Strict Dress Code and Shows Off Traditional Japanese Hakama at Ceremony
One of the co-winners of the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine this year is Japanese scientist, Tasuku Honjo. His discovery paved the way for…
Coca-Cola Japan Celebrates The New Year With Plum Blossom And Kimono Design Bottle
Coca-Cola Japan has grabbed headlines in the past with Japan exclusive items such as Coca-Cola’s first ever alcoholic beverage, coffee Coke, and even frozen Coca-Cola…
Experience All the Charm of Japan in a Traditional Ryokan Hotel
Along side trending pop culture, promotional campaigns for tourism in Japan tend to focus on a smorgasbord of more traditional aspects of Japan. What they…
Artist Celebrates Japanese Art and Culture With Strong and Beautiful Women Illustrations
In recent years, an abundance of talented Japanese artists have begun to share their work on Twitter, to the appreciation of many. Whether it’s mind-blowing…
Easy and Comfy Hakama-style Roomwear Inspired By Japanese Artist
You might be familiar with the creative designs of Japanese brand Mocolle, a name which mixes the Japanese word for “fantasy” (mousou) with “collection” for…
Interview with Kyoto Pop Singer Asachill
As our readers may recall, last month, Kyoto pop singer Asachill guided us through the beautiful traditional Kyoto neighborhood of Pontocho where she grew up….
The Geishas of Kyoto’s Gion District Gather For A Flamboyant New Year Ceremony [Video]
Geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas) in the hanamachi entertainment quarters of Gion and Pontocho gathered on January 7 to participate in a yearly ceremony to…
Local Idol Unit SAGEMON GIRLS Release Sequel to Their 10-Million-View Hit Video Promoting Hometown Yanagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture
“SAGEMON GIRLS,” a promotional video for Yanagawa City in Fukoka Prefecture, known just as well for its unique tradition of hanging decorative balls called sagemon…