In this week’s news roundup we report on the revised law banning foreign tourists from converting their driver’s licenses in Japan. Human rights nongovernmental organizations condemn the rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric ahead of the... Read more »

Japan is a country of National Treasures. From clay figurines dating back thousands of years to intricate lacquerware, mountain pagodas, castle keeps and the largest wooden building in the world, the “treasures”... Read more »

When Vibhor Jain moved to Tokyo in 2022, it wasn’t because he wanted to conquer the language or thrive in Japan’s demanding office culture. Just the opposite — he made the move... Read more »

Summer wind chimes. Summer scenery in Japan. Accessories to heal the summer heat. When Tokyo starts to feel like a subtropical soup, it’s time to upgrade your summer strategy for staying cool... Read more »

This article was originally published as “Artist Tomei and the Beauty of Clear Things” and “Aesthetic Recipe: Edible Pond Jelly Inspired by Claude Monet” in Metropolis Magazine, “Water” Summer 2025. Read the... Read more »

Mt. Fuji-area hotel offers two routes, one to a mountain pass holy ground. A pretty clear indication that some aspect of Japanese culture has started captivating people overseas is when the Japanese-language... Read more »

Tokyo has once again proven itself a leader in culinary innovation—this time in the realm of pizza. According to 50 Top Pizza, an annual ranking system curated by Italian food critics and... Read more »

Roughly 94% of Japanese households do not have a built-in oven. And if you’re used to baking lasagna, roasting a whole turkey, or even just reheating pizza on a baking sheet, this... Read more »

The original black leather Birkin bag, owned and loved by Hermès muse Jane Birkin, has sold for ¥1.47 billion (€8.58 million) to Valuence Japan, the company behind luxury buyer Allu. The historic... Read more »