Innovation | All About Japan

Putting the AI in Samurai

Combining the modern with the traditional, a new robot emerges from the land of the rising sun.

7 Reasons to Love WaniKani for Kanji

Wanikani (literally “alligator-crab”) is a web application that uses mnemonics and space repetition software (SRS) to help users memorize approximately 2,000 kanji and radicals, plus over 6,000 Japanese words in two years or less!

Minimalist Sushi Shop is All About the Counter

Opened in June 2015, the small and intimate space at Tokyo's Yoshii is defined by a long, continuous reclaimed wooden counter that offers a truly minimal dining experience.

The Sushi Restaurant Run by Women

Tokyo's Nadeshico Sushi challenges gender roles with kimono-clad, all-female staff.

120-Year-Old Storehouse Reborn as Living Space

Aptly named the Rebirth House, this century-old storehouse survived the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake to be reborn as a stunning living space.

Brett Mayer, Kanji Master

Meet the American man who became the only non-Asian to pass the top level of the Japan Kanji Aptitude Test.

The Most Inspirational Japanese Teacher

One of the first JOCV volunteers was a Japanese language teacher who used her skills to teach Japanese to people in Laos and other developing countries beginning in the 1960s.

Ukiyo-e in Californ-i-ay

One early 20th century Japanese artist helped strengthen the cultural bridge between Japan and the U.S. by recreating the Golden State in ukiyo-e.

Goodbye Manicures, Hello Nail-Puri!

Tired of having to paint your nails, or forking over ¥5,000 for a salon-quality manicure? Well, the company that brought us Sonic the Hedgehog is doing something about it!

Learn Japanese with a Five-Armed Octoped

Struggling to start with Japanese? Let Tako lend you a hand—or five. Wait, five?

Eat the Future with Automated Sushi

While conveyor belt sushi restaurants are also quite common in the West, Japan has brought this kind of eatery to the next level—with automated sushi!

6 Cute Sushi Knickknacks

Six fun accessories for the sushi-obsessed!

Live in a Tokyo Rubik's Cube

Takuro Yamamoto Architects have designed a brilliant little home that makes maximum use of Tokyo's cramped land space.

Kendo Looks Awesome in Kyoto

This incredible video will make you want to pick up a sword and visit Kyoto. In a good way.

Dyson Robo-Vacuum Arrives in Japan

The 360 Eye is the British firm’s first proper venture into autonomous home service robotics.

Change Your Twitter Heart to Sushi!

Don't want to see hearts on Twitter? Why not try sushi instead!

Laser-Cut Seaweed Makes Beautiful Sushi

Wrap your sushi rolls in beautifully patterned, laser-cut nori!

Gorgeous Woodblock Sushi Set

Why not give your kids a head start in learning the basics of sushi?

Origami-Style Lamp

Neither scissors nor glue are needed for this DIY project that can brighten up any room.

Naha's Tsuboya Pottery Festival

The Tsuboya area has been known as "the town of pottery" since the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It celebrates this heritage every November.

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