16-time Grammy winner Bruno Mars opens the world's only collaboration cafe at SHIBUYA TSUTAYA in Tokyo, celebrating his first solo album in a decade, 'The Romantic.' Featuring album-inspired drinks, exclusive merch, and immersive decor, this limited-time cafe is a must-visit for fans and tourists alike — and a testament to Bruno's deep love for Japan.
Kyoto's iconic Uzumasa Movie Village is undergoing a massive renovation for its 50th anniversary, transforming into an adults-only immersive Edo-period experience park. Opening March 28, 2026, it features 360° live dramas, R-18 torture house and gambling events, samurai training, ninja shows, and traditional cultural experiences — offering a side of Kyoto beyond temples and shrines.
Japan's largest Kampo medicine maker Tsumura has announced it will acquire Yomeishu Seizo — maker of the iconic 400-year-old herbal medicinal liquor — for approximately $45 million. We break down the complex deal involving activist investor Yoshiaki Murakami's firm and explore why Japanese traditional medicine is gaining global momentum.
Konica Minolta's "Starry Sky Jazz Lounge" at Planetaria TOKYO in Yurakucho has been selling out every session. Experience 360-degree immersive dome visuals paired with live jazz performances by piano, saxophone, and contrabass. A deep dive into Japan's world-class planetarium culture and a hidden gem for Tokyo visitors near the Ginza district.
The Car-Lator at Suma Ura Hilltop Park in Kobe, Japan's only belt-conveyor mountain ride, celebrates its 60th anniversary on March 18, 2026. Famous for proudly marketing its terrible ride comfort, this one-of-a-kind attraction is launching special red-costumed anniversary cars, limited edition tickets, and commemorative events. A must-visit "Only in Japan" experience for adventurous travelers.
Around 420,000 Muslims in Japan face a growing burial crisis. Islamic faith requires burial rather than cremation, but in a country where 99.97% of the deceased are cremated, only about 10 burial-capable cemeteries exist. Plans to build new Muslim cemeteries in Oita and Miyagi prefectures have been blocked by resident opposition, exposing the gap between Japan's push for foreign workers and its readiness for multicultural coexistence.
A box of 12 "Berrytsu" strawberries just sold for $1,800 at auction in Japan. From $6,700 grape bunches to $17,000 melons, Japan's luxury fruit market defies global norms. Discover the cultural traditions, auction rituals, and branding strategies that make ultra-premium fruit a thriving business in Japan.
What if your pajamas could heal you while you sleep? In Japan, "recovery wear" (clothing infused with ceramic minerals that emit far-infrared rays to boost blood circulation) has become a national craze, even earning a Word of the Year nomination. Now budget chains Workman ($13), Nitori ($10), and Aeon are making this uniquely Japanese wellness trend accessible to everyone. Here's what recovery wear is and why millions of Japanese are buying it.
A butter confection sold only at Tokyo's Haneda Airport has sparked a souvenir frenzy among international tourists. Born from repurposing skim milk that would otherwise go to waste, "Butter no Itoko" has some flying to Japan just for a taste. We explore how Japan's limited-edition treats and omiyage culture create demand worldwide.
PPAP sensation Pikotaro had a surprise encounter with world-famous DJ Steve Aoki at Tokyo's iconic Kaminarimon gate in Asakusa. Aoki approached Pikotaro first, sparking fan excitement and collaboration speculation. With Pikotaro's PPAP 10th anniversary project underway and Aoki's deep Japanese heritage, could this chance meeting lead to an epic crossover?
Japanese actress-turned-producer MEGUMI has signed a multi-year exclusive deal with Netflix after her debut unscripted show "Badly in Love" — a yankee dating reality series — ranked No. 8 on Netflix's global charts. Explore how Japan's raw storytelling is captivating audiences worldwide.
For 6,000 years, Japan has eaten fugu — a pufferfish carrying tetrodotoxin, a poison 25 times deadlier than cyanide with no known antidote. From warlord bans to a prime minister's secret feast, from a Living National Treasure's fatal last meal to chefs who train for years to earn their license, this is the story of how Japan turned the world's most dangerous fish into high art. Does your country have a food worth risking your life for?
At the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, all six moguls medalists used "ID one" skis made by Material Sports — a five-employee company in Osaka, Japan. This marks the second consecutive Olympics where Japanese-made skis swept every moguls medal. Discover the craftsmanship behind this remarkable achievement.
A 2026 survey reveals 70% of Japanese people feel giri-choco (obligation chocolate) culture is fading. While 85% of women don't want to participate in workplace chocolate-giving, over 40% now buy chocolate for themselves. Explore how rising cocoa prices and remote work are transforming Japan's unique Valentine's Day traditions.
Japan's sacred goshuin, handwritten temple and shrine stamps given as proof of worship, are being resold for up to $33 on flea-market apps. Comedian-turned-Shinto-priest Eiko Kano's plea to stop the reselling has reignited national debate. Legally a gray area, spiritually a sacrilege: we explore where faith meets commerce in Japan.
Japan's sumo entertainment brand HIRAKUZA debuts at Adelaide Fringe, the Southern Hemisphere's largest arts festival. With 33 performances over five weeks, this marks a major step in bringing authentic sumo culture to global audiences through immersive stage shows.
Japan's cat-driven economy "Nekonomics" has reached approximately $19 billion in 2026, rivaling the Osaka World Expo. Explore the booming cat cafés, cat islands, feline health tech startups, and the unique cultural forces powering Japan's extraordinary cat business ecosystem.
Kyoto University professor Naoko Tosa showcased "disaster-prevention fashion" made from fire-resistant materials at Japan Society during New York Fashion Week. Her fusion of art, technology, and disaster preparedness is capturing global attention as a uniquely Japanese innovation.
Despite Japan's shrinking population, the number of Japanese language learners overseas has surged 30-fold to over 4 million in 45 years. The driving force? Manga and anime. While hits like Demon Slayer smashing $7.3 billion at the global box office fuel unprecedented demand, challenges like teacher shortages and uneven access to education remain. Here's the full picture of Japanese language education today.
Japanese fashion brand MIYOKO unveils its latest collection in New York during Fashion Week 2026, transforming traditional kimono fabrics—including Yuki-tsumugi, Ojiya-tsumugi, Hon-Shiozawa, and Yuzen—into 14 contemporary garments. Backed by 50 years of craftsmanship, the brand showcases Japanese textile heritage on a global stage at Manhattan's historic St. Bartholomew's Church.