In Japan, the simple act of removing your shoes at the genkan (entryway) reveals more than just etiquette; it reflects a deep cultural logic of space and purity. Shoes, marked by the... Read more »
What’s behind the Shibuya slide as a spot to grab a drink? Japanese restaurant information website Hot Pepper recently conducted its latest user survey, and among the questions it asked Tokyo-area residents... Read more »
An enchanting forest resort nestled in the mountains around Hakone, the aptly named Hakone Retreat offers a tranquil and rejuvenating escape from the cacophony of urban life. A nature immersion getaway, it’s... Read more »
Tokyo’s neighborhoods are often defined by their specialties. Bookworms head to Jimbocho to wander rows of secondhand bookshops. Musicians frequent Ochanomizu, where instrument stores line the streets. And tucked in alongside them,... Read more »
Who is アレン様 (Allen-sama)? From Allen-sama’s first book (©KADOKAWA / Photo by Yoshinobu Bito via PR Times) Most likely, you don’t know much about Allen… or Allen-sama (with an honorific suffix). And... Read more »
A wise man climbs Mount Fuji once, but only a fool climbs it twice. When Satoshi Chishiro hears these oft-cited words about Japan’s greatest mountain, he breaks into a smile. “I must... Read more »
Film Labo promises a perfect fit with no stress, no matter how clumsy you are. As smartphones become both increasingly expensive and integrated in so many aspects of daily life, it’s more... Read more »
Find out what you should order from the menu at this super popular family restaurant chain. For the past few years, our team of Japanese-language reporters has been visiting the nation’s top... Read more »
In this week’s news roundup we pay tribute to Dead or Alive creator Tomonobu Itagaki, who passed away at the age of 58. In Nagano Prefecture, Masanori Aoki is sentenced to death... Read more »
For English speakers in Tokyo, access to dentists who can communicate effectively is convenient, and there are lots of options to choose from. This comprehensive guide, updated for 2025, provides detailed information... Read more »