In Japan, sakura season is a big event in the calendar, heralding the arrival of spring, warmer weather, and the start of the school and business year. Beginning anywhere from late March to early May, it’s also an opportunity to experience the quintessentially Japanese activity of hanami, or flower viewing, where Japanese people flock by...

We all know the most familiar Japanese cultural exports. From sushi, anime, samurai, and cherry blossoms, fans of Japan know them all. But in all the years Japan has been exporting its culture, “weird Japan” has got to be among the greatest sources of joy ever gifted to the world. Usually, the term “weird Japan”...

Ask anyone you meet to name popular Japanese snacks or candy, and I’ll bet that the large majority will first mention the famous Pocky snack, confirming the chocolate covered biscuit stick’s international status as a Japanese snack food icon. For most, the Glico produced munchy juggernaut may even be the only Japanese snacks they can...

Have you ever been to Harajuku?  This district in Tokyo is famous worldwide as a hub of street fashion and youth culture, with artists like Gwen Stefani and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu taking inspiration from the area’s vibrant trends and street culture. Every day, tourists and locals alike flock to Harajuku’s busy Takeshita Street and Cat...

Studio Ghibli has created such an impact in the world of anime films. Their movies are often regarded as masterpieces by animation fans and critics alike, and throughout the years, they’ve created so many iconic places, stories, and characters.  Studio Ghibli movies not only let viewers experience entertainment, but also a whole new atmosphere and...

Despite being a relatively recent Western import, Valentine’s Day in Japan is a big deal. The celebration first became popular in the 1950s, when large department stores began selling chocolate products as gifts for women to give the special men in their lives. Gift-giving is an important part of Japanese culture, and in particular the...