Culture

After almost 30 years since its release, why is Sailor Moon still popular amongst people around the world? Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, or more commonly known as Sailor Moon, is...

If you’ve ever been curious as to who’s behind the sexy female robots you see on album covers and in the latest The Weeknd mixtape, you’ve come to the right...

Japan has contributed a lot to the world of art and entertainment. In the past few decades, Japanese pop culture has flourished at an exponential rate. Countless Japanese musicians, filmmakers,...

All of us could use a trip to Japan right now. One of the greatest joys of travel is discovering new and exciting cuisines, especially in Japan where you can...

Martial arts originated in Asia and have been influencing cultures worldwide for centuries. These arts influenced the evolution of martial arts in new and unique ways. Often, martial art was...

Events and trends from the 1980s transformed Japan into the eye-catching, dynamic and exciting society we see today. The 80s marked the death of Emperor Shōwa, the creation of Super...

Pizza is without a doubt one of the world's most popular foods. It’s a savory treat that can be found just right around the corner in any neighborhood. This iconic...

If you watch anime or you are interested in Japanese pop culture, it is likely that you know of the word “kawaii”. This Japanese word is frequently used by Japanese...

🌊🌊🌊 Looks familiar? Let me ask you: what does this emoji and Van Gogh’s Starry Night have in common? Other than the interesting shades of blue and the unique swirls...

For a full picture of how far the Japanese cinema industry has come, it is important to consider what made it what it is. It can't be ignored that the...

Japan’s national mould: Koji, so integral to the Japanese diet that no meal in Japan is complete without it. Koji is a filamentous mould (moulds are a type of fungus),...

An adventurous spirit in the unfamiliar past, action, suspense, romance, and toiling in a harsh environment - all necessary to fulfil a Jidaigeki, aka Japanese historical drama.  Originating in 19th-century...

From Kamisama Kiss’ Tomoe to Spirited Away’s No-Face, and even Genshin Impact’s Yae Miko and Kujou Sara, these beloved characters all have one thing in common: they are reimagined portrayals...

The death game subgenre has been one that has been gaining a full head of steam in recent times. Look no further than the very much-hyped, worldwide phenomenon Netflix series...

It’s not about going vegan, it’s actually much simpler It’s not that I don’t want to go vegan — thinking about the environmental impact of meat consumption and the health...

First, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse introduced popular audiences to the many unique forms of Peter Parker. Whether re-imagined as the 1930s undercover investigator 'Spiderman Noir', a literal spider robot 'Sp/dr,'...

“The Matrix” is a visually stunning cyber adventure packed with explosive energy. It portrays a dystopian future in which humanity is inadvertently imprisoned within the Matrix, a virtual world designed...

The best way to describe Sion Sono’s cult film is four hours of pure chaos. Through swinging camera movements and uncomfortable close ups, including the high-speed zooms that have tinges...

When we hear of “Ivy League”, there is that iconic image that runs through our heads --- a young man dressed in an Oxford shirt or a sweater vest with...

Many Asian countries share a common culture of believing in luck and fortune. People believe that practicing these kinds of traditions and superstitions brings not only a good future and...

Bottomless brunches have become a staple part of cosmopolitan city life and are always a great way to get together with some friends and indulge. Whether you’re looking for small...

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We know that our holidays wouldn’t be complete without tuning into our favorite festive tunes. With Christmas just right around the corner,...

Japan has a storied film history. Not only has it been around for over 100 years, but it has been a huge influence on filmmaking as a whole. Japanese cinema...

It’s that time of the year again, where the dark, cold walks back from work are illuminated by fairy lights every ten houses or so, Mariah Carey’s found a permanent...

After the success of Perfect Blue, the question on everyone's mind was “why doesn’t Satoshi Kon make a live action film?”. A question that was thrown at him tirelessly, and...

MilkTea, a screening label specialising in East and Southeast Asian films, will offer a trio of Japanese family films in December that will showcase families of all shapes and sizes as...

2021 saw the release of some of the most highly anticipated anime of the last decade. Both Japanese and global anime rankings courted a diversity of anime genres, from action...

Matchbox Cine is re-releasing Naoto Yamakawa's cult masterpiece The New Morning of Billy the Kid (1986) in an exclusive online showing on December 3rd-5th, 2021. Since its premiere, the film...

There's no better way to get into the true spirit of the festive season than by joining us at Yokimono's Japanese Xmas Market! Hosted by Furuki Yo-Kimono at The FACTORY...

If you can’t decide on an anime to watch next or to add to your watch list, you might want to consider checking out My Hero Academia. Boku No Hero...

The Ringu (1998) The year is 1998: Japan launches the Nozomi Probe in its first bid to explore space, joining the likes of the USA and Russia. Megahit video game...

An avant-garde modern architectural movement formed in post-war Japan, Japanese Metabolism combined concepts of architectural megastructures and organic growth as an ambitious idea of utopian urbanism. A conceived Japanese restoration...

Vibrant, powdery, and charmingly flawed what’s not to love about Riso prints?  Risograph printing is a Japanese creative printmaking technique that gives the maker the opportunity to create colourful, interesting,...

Experience Japanese film masterpieces with the maestro of action Akira Kurosawa and genius storyteller Yasujiro Ozu, capturing the splendour, scale, and aesthetics of the Land of the Rising Sun. Hosted...

The Assassin’s Creed series of games is one of the most successful in modern gaming, with a huge amount of work that goes into keeping them fresh and relevant over...

What’s the occasion, you might ask? It might be a surprise when you find out how prevalent gift-giving in Japan is. No, it need not be the holiday season or...

When we think back on the Japanese fashion subcultures of the 1990s, we are transported back to 1997, when youth culture flourished through the adoption of Harajuku Fashion and street...

Bento Boxes are a great way to enjoy a healthy, convenient meal, It’s filled with rice, protein, and vegetables to provide balanced nutrition for the day; aka the perfect lunch...

Elegantly subtle and terrifyingly direct, these are words I would use to describe Yasujirō Ozu’s Tokyo Story. It's a film that hits you hard when you least expect it and...

Surely, you’ve heard of lo-fi hip-hop since it seems to be everywhere nowadays — in cafés, on Spotify, radio streams, and YouTube. No wonder it’s so popular; its chill beats,...

NFTs are some of the biggest trends to grace the metaverse this year. While they’ve been around for years, the frenzy over online collectables took off when an artist, Beeple,...

From the dawn of Japan’s iconic samurai, swords and other weaponry were central to the culture and training of those warriors who fought under ‘the rising sun’. These classical weapons...

The ordinary person knows Japan for being the birthplace of Sushi, Sumo wrestlers, and Mount Fuji's home. However, it's a shame that many of Japan's traditions are either forgotten or...

Learning Japanese is a journey. A multi-destination, cross-continental, fifteen-hour layover – including a half day travel by car – adventure. Oh, and to a different time zone too. Suffice to...

What do the famously hard-working Japanese salarymen do after a long day of work? Sing karaoke, of course! While some go to the izakaya (bar) and have a drink, nothing...

The appreciation of local art and culture has found an enormous platform in the digital world. Through the power of technology, Japanese art is able to create an impact on...

When most people think of martial arts, they think of self-defence. Although there is a lot to learn about that, it's not the only thing you'll gain from training in...

Introduction As you watch your twentieth slice-of-life Anime series – walls covered in posters of all your favorite waifus – Do you ever wonder what it takes to really grasp...

Cryptocurrency has been all the rave for the past year. Even the far corners of the world aren’t immune to its influence, sparking conversations over Bitcoin, Ethereum, Blockchain, and NFTs....

We're thrilled to announce BFI: Japan 2021, the UK's largest Japanese film festival. Film screenings were postponed last Autumn 2020 due to COVID, so we're overjoyed to watch some of the best...

Lo-fi beats have been getting more love these days. Whether you're listening to them on a sunny, rainy, or cloudy day, you're guaranteed to stay chill, productive, and focused alongside...

Few things are constant in this world: change, scientific laws, and people wanting to wear clothing with their favorite characters on it! It’s the easiest way to show your love...

The term 'Less is More' truly resonates with many people worldwide, wishing to cut unnecessary clutter from their lives, only to use what's needed to live a more spiritual existence. In...

We sat down with ​​Michael Bobrove Founder & CEO of HealthyTOKYO - a company pioneering the use of CBD in Japan. All of their products are made in Japan. All...

Dope Gallery launched in 2013 and has since discovered and promoted a selection of fresh young artists dominating the online and urban markets today. The gallery's commitment to global arts...

Taking place from Monday 27th September to Sunday 3rd October 2021 in Covent Garden and across the city, the Japan Week Festival, in association with Grand Seiko, will celebrate London’s...

David Watts Barton, award-winning writer, editor, musician, and author of the recently published book Japan from Anime to Zen, joined us for a chat. David's book provides all those intrigued...

What makes WA Café such a popular Japanese patisserie? Japanese Seasonal Specialities Autumn Panna Cotta Hojicha Latte Which WA Japanese Patisserie? For decades, Japanese pastry chefs learned their trade in...

Mr O’s Book of the Dead it's the last movie in the experimental Butoh dance film trilogy that happened when celebrated dancer Kazuo Ohno and director Chiaki Nagano joined forces....

Revisiting older forms of media can often be a challenge. What was once new and pretty can feel outdated and cliche today. Watching old special effects in movies or playing...

Some people may be quick to point out the release date of this movie, its genre, and its premise and just write The Boxer off as a Japanese version of...

Learning through conversations Reinforcing your vocabulary through flashcards Writing Japanese How to use Kaizen When it comes to learning a new language, needless to say, that speaking is often the...

In partnership with the Japan Foundation, we’re super excited to announce the Japanese Avant-Garde and Experimental Film Festival of 2021: Bodies. Bodies explores how we interact with other beings, spaces...

The NFT boom, according to sceptics, was nothing more than a hype-driven “lockdown-era” bubble that had burst. But many experts believe the landscape is evolving and that the crash was...

Historical fiction has always had a tricky role to play. First and foremost, it must be a historically accurate portrayal of the time period; otherwise, you risk offending those who...

Satoshi Kon is regarded as one of the most groundbreaking and influential directors who ever set foot in the industry of animation and, to a larger extent, cinema. He only...

Ismail Hasan is the head coach and director of Aikido of London, a traditional martial arts school in Archway North London, and where he teaches adults and children Aikido and...

1. Kawaii culture 2. Anime Cosplayers 3. Gyaru and Ganguro 4. Nanchatte Seifuku 5. Kimono DanceOn TikTok, creativity reigns supreme! This makes it the ideal platform for unique subcultures to...

This week, our friends at Akita Inaka School shared with us their excellent new online course, which is available to everyone wishing to study real Japanese and available for all...

History of Japanese Beer Drinking Culture in Japan Drinking Customs Japanese Beer Brands Asahi Super Dry: Japan’s Most Popular Beer Sapporo: Japan’s First Beer Kirin Lager: Japan’s Largest Brewery Suntory...

Japan’s a pretty big deal in streetwear as some of the most iconic designers and brands are coming straight out of Harajuku. Sneaker culture is undoubtedly a massive part of...

Taking inspiration from Japan’s many Shōtengai (local market streets) and their capacity for serving as community centres and gathering spaces, Coal Drops Yard will be hosting a Shōtengai Japanese Market...

Timeline of Sake Authentic London Sake: sets & cups The Craft of Japanese Sake Sake | How It's Made Why London Sake? A Journey of Tastes Start your Sake Journey...

Latest from Japan right now A Unique Experience with Jay Japan Three editions cater to Jay Japan’s unique products New Editions! A Unique Day with Jay Japan A Worldwide Brand...

When you sprinkle a pinch of Japanese flair over movie posters it makes magic! The 20th century was the golden age of film, and when the international blockbusters entered the...

Charlotte Perriand: The Modern Life is open now at the Design Museum, an exhibition covering the life and work of the 20th-century designer. The French designer came to be one...

We chat with Max, the creator of Japan Poster Shop, a company that collects and sells vintage Japanese movie posters. Max has spent almost his entire life collecting these one-of-a-kind...

Sneakers Unboxed: From Studio to Street is now open at the Design Museum in London, a brand new exhibition exploring one of the most universal and influential fashion items of...

Where it all began Kimonos today Mikan: Keeping traditions alive Mikan bags Japanese Kimono Still Valued The word Kimono is a relatively new term, only being adopted in the 19th...

The History of Onitsuka Tiger Distribution from Nike’s Phil Knight Onitsuka Tiger’s MEXICO 66 sneaker Onitsuka Tiger forms Asics Nippon Made Series Onitsuka Tiger in Popular Culture Sneakers Unboxed: From...

HAVAN Tea Products Origins of Matcha & Zen Buddhism Tea Ceremonies in Japan Sen no Rikyū Tea Ceremonies in Japan (and Britain!) Matcha Tea Bars: Todays Craze How to Make...

Ever wonder how or where that trendy high street coat you've been showing off is made? Unfortunately, the evolution of the garment industry over the past 100 years often goes...

Japanese music has, whether you’re aware of it or not, had a huge influence on culture and music worldwide.  From the underground scene that emerged post-war in the 20th century,...

British Influences Retro Inspiration Love for Art Just off Boundary Street in Shoreditch, London, is a hidden gem known as Haco Hair. The front is trailed with plants, and inside...

So often, in today’s rampant capitalist and the consumerist world, people are desperate for more. More things; more money; more holidays, more friends, you name it. And this comes attached...

Bathing Ikigai Minimalistic spaces Wabi-Sabi: beauty in imperfections Taking joy in hobbies High quality skincare Shojin Ryori: Healthy eating Raijo Taiso: Consistent exercise Reiki While the term “self-care” is having...

Over the years, the popularity of ‘Anime Subscription Boxes’ has boomed. Combining monthly subscriptions for Anime fans is a great way to express their loyalty as part of the Anime...

Tokyo Time: A Classic Look with Japanese Streetwear Designs Tokyo Time: A Global Partner Japanese Streetwear Collection Iconic Collaborations Embrace Change Tokyo Time - a symbol of fashion forged on...

Rie Takeda and Japanese Calligraphy Rie Takeda's Mindfulness Method Japanese Calligraphy in UK and the rest of Europe Why is Calligraphy important to Japan? The School of Shodō – The...

Lockdown has got us all wishing we had a furry companion at home. Don’t we all wish we had a little creature around that we can show off at our...

“Have you ever been curious about the daily life of a Japanese student?” In Japan, it is mandatory to go to elementary for 6 years and junior high school for...

The consistent occurrence of earthquakes in Japan has made the country a geographical nightmare for natural disasters. One-tenth of the world's earthquakes occur in and around Japan. On average, the...

The image of James Dean leaning against a wall in a white t-shirt, red jacket, and rolled-up jeans is iconic. Rebel Without A Cause’s “bad boy from a good family”...

What happens when things break? Most of us throw that thing away, but is it time to consider a different approach? One that instead fosters adaptation and embracing flaws.  Western...

From Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) to Hadaka Matsuri (the Naked Festival), Japan has always been known to celebrate festivals and traditions in its own unique way. Therefore, it may not...

What is Cyberpunk? Japan’s Cyberpunk Culture The Birth of Japanese Cyberpunk: Akira ‘Modern Japan simply was Cyberpunk’ Japanese stand-outs in Cyberpunk 2077 Why we shouldn’t ignore cyberpunk Cyberpunk 2077 was...

Happy 2021! As England plunges into its third lockdown, many of us may be finding it hard to accept this is how we begin the new year. If your days...

Japan is a design powerhouse, we’ll all been left in awe at the artful conceptions brought to life by Japan’s architects. From minimalist sleek surfaces to naturalistic representations of our...

NARS Mie Kabuki Wayne Goss eyeshadow crease brush Rae Morris Ultimate Cheekbone brush Japonesque Fluff concealer brush From a tiny city south of Osaka, comes 200 years’ worth of tradition...

Student Visas for Japan Work and Study Online Classes Jobs in Japan A Helping Hand: 2021 2021 will hopefully be the year where life (semi) gets back to normal. The...