TOKYO — Just days after taking office, Japan’s new leader faces a series of back-to-back foreign policy tests, with a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Tokyo sandwiched between Asia-region summits... Read more »

Team of 10 all-star artists, including Pokémon and Fate illustrators, shares their takes on the Hollywood classic for 40th anniversary celebration and upcoming merch collection. Though its original release precedes Japanese animation’s... Read more »

Survey finds loanwords getting more use than okaa-san and otou-san. As we’ve touched on before, there are several different ways to say “mom” and “dad” in Japanese. The ones that are generally... Read more »

The Kita Kanto Brothers make an unexpected detour in Gunma Prefecture. Welcome back to Kita Kanto Brothers, where our Japanese-language reporters Masanuki Sunakoma and Takamichi Furusawa journey across northern east Japan to... Read more »

In Osaka’s Umekita area, a new landmark is opening its doors. On October 24, 2025, Uniqlo Umeda will open inside Links Umeda — the brand’s largest store in western Japan and its... Read more »

Tokyo noodle joint is open 24 hours a day, but it may or may not be what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for good ramen in Tokyo, Akihabara is one of... Read more »

In Japan, the past tends to disappear without ceremony. Buildings are demolished, rebuilt, and modernized at a relentless pace. Space in cities is limited, and the future doesn’t wait around for anyone.... Read more »

And this year, Uonuma is celebrating its own coming of age! As a writer on the subject of Japan and Japanese culture, I’m often asked what some nice, out-of-the-way places are to... Read more »

November is one of Japan’s most beautiful months, with the leaves turning sunshine yellow and deep crimson and Tokyo’s fashionistas showcasing their incredible layering skills. Still deep in the midst of moody... Read more »