How remote work is rewriting the migrant experience in Japan

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 Survival Products in Japan 2025 | Living

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 »

Artist Tomei: Curating Transparent Life (+Aesthetic Jelly Recipe)

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 »

Japanese hotel offering sports car touge tours, no Japanese-language ability required

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 »

Where to Eat the Best Pizza in Tokyo 2025 | Dining

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 »

Why Japanese Homes Don’t Have Ovens 

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 »

Japanese Company Buys Original Birkin Bag for ¥1.47 Billion

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 »

Starbucks Japan releases new Shine Muscat grape drinks, but the Frappuccino isn’t the star

A surprise newcomer steals the show as this summer’s must-try beverage. Fruit has been plentiful at Starbucks this summer, with strawberries and mangoes keeping us refreshed throughout the season, but now it’s... Read more »

How to Live in Japan

Living in Japan long-term is possible if you really want it. Whether you’re an artist, aspiring developer or just drawn to the culture, the key is understanding how visas work, being flexible... Read more »

What’s the Difference Between Soju and Shochu? And Sake?

What’s the difference between soju and shochu? Soju and shochu may sound alike, but is that just a coincidence? And what about sake, arguably the best-known East Asian alcoholic drink? Soju has... Read more »