TRAVEL
Kimono Rental Shops in Japan: What’s Real, What’s Fake, & How Not to Get Swindled
Learn about the different types of kimono styles and how to tell serious, traditional shops apart from the TikTok trends.
fashion
TRAVEL
CULTURE
The Hidden Culture Behind Japan’s Bag-Charms Craze
Experts say "oshi-katsu" and this age-old religious trend have helped fuel the rise of character dolls dangling from bags and backpacks.
TRAVEL
Shimokitazawa: How Tokyo’s Funky Neighborhood Has Kept Its Cool
Here's how Shimokitazawa has avoided overdevelopment, and why it should be on your list of must-see spots in Tokyo.
WOMEN
Tattooed Sashimi Chef Inherits Japanese Restaurant, Overcomes Hate Over Appearance
Tochonika Pepe, age 25, is the proprietress of a long-running kaisendon restaurant - and a TikTok and Instagram sensation.
TRAVEL
Do Tourists to Japan Have Bad Changing Room Manners?
From wearing heavy perfume to failing to remove their shoes, Japan tourists are making headaches for shoppers and staff alike.
TRAVEL
Has Shibuya Gotten Boring? Why Tokyo’s Youth Have Fled
It used to be a centerpiece of Tokyo's youth culture. Have tourism, global retail, and old men conspired to make Shibuya dull?
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
Uniqlo Rejuvenates Osaka Flagship Store with New Osaka-esque Designs
From t-shirts to gaudy toilet paper, UNIQLO says "ookini!" once again to Osaka with a new flagship store and locally inspired designs.
JAPANESE LANGUAGE
Pien Meaning: The Crying Emoji Japan Made Its Own
Learn how "pien" became the in-fashion word of 2020 - and how its use spread through popular media and Kabukicho street culture.