November 23, 2012
Pioneer fashion designer Hanae Mori first established a pret-a-porter (ready-to-wear) collection in Japan in the 1950s. Setting her sights on an international career, she later succeeded in introducing her designs in Europe and the United States and today is one of the world's few Paris haute couture designers.
November 23, 2012
In Japan, the quest for the tastiest ramen borders on national obsession and has spawned countless books. In a sense, it reflects how Japanese view life in all its complexities.
November 19, 2012
ATSUGI, Kanagawa Prefecture--Three seniors at Tokyo Polytechnic University's Department of Manga recently made promising professional debuts with their work being published in commercial magazines.
November 17, 2012
AIZUWAKAMATSU and KITAKATA, Fukushima Prefecture--Many regions in Japan have their own distinctive arts and crafts that are rooted in local history and natural resources.
November 16, 2012
The 350-meter-high observation deck of Tokyo Skytree offers a stunning view of Japan’s capital--as it appeared in the early 19th century.
November 13, 2012
OSAKA--Artist Sadaharu Ishiwari has the hands of a magician, fashioning creations that are both remarkably lifelike and delicious.
November 12, 2012
Diners looking for a more entertaining entrée are finding themselves drawn to a Kyoto-based designer's line of manga-inspired dinner plates.
November 10, 2012
MATSUYAMA--The violent sounds of a fistfight echo throughout a warehouse on the outskirts of Matsuyama. But it’s the voice of one bystander that really pumps up the adrenaline and stirs the emotions of the combatants.
November 08, 2012
KASHIWA, Chiba Prefecture--Sharply dressed in black suits and matching hats, a troupe of middle-aged and older men are dancing to the bouncy music of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
November 06, 2012
Science fiction buffs and collectors are anticipating the 50th anniversary next year of Tsuburaya Productions Co., known for "Ultraman" and other sci-fi shows and films, which is preparing commemorative offerings and new and digitally remastered shows.
November 05, 2012
KYOTO--Architectural designer Rena Yoshida loves the ambience of old Kyoto and even chooses to live in a traditional "machiya" wooden townhouse with no shower or bathtub.
November 05, 2012
BAGHDAD--A giant inflatable statue of UFO Robot Grendizer, a popular Japanese anime figure from the 1970s, is proving to be a big draw at an international trade fair here.
November 04, 2012
One of Japan’s most renowned manga artists is believed to be the creator of a recently discovered cartoon featuring scenes of Japan shortly after World War II.
November 03, 2012
One thing about the Nada "Quarreling" Festival in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture: It lives up to its name. First of all, there's a huge, jostling crowd to contend with. Second, participants are intent on causing as much of a ruckus as possible, usually by pushing and shoving so that the three "mikoshi" portable shrines involved end up crashing into each other.
October 30, 2012
Fans of the popular "K-On!" anime who make weekend pilgrimages to the former Toyosato Elementary School building in Toyosato, Shiga Prefecture, believed to be the model for the high school in the series, have more reason to visit.
October 29, 2012
Japan’s pictorial arts underwent an unprecedented blossoming during the Edo Period (1603-1867), when various distinct schools of Japanese painting refined and perpetuated their styles for a wider audience.
October 27, 2012
While time travel is still in the realm of science fiction, visitors to the spectacular autumn festival at the Heian Jingu shrine in Kyoto could be excused for thinking they had gone back in time.
October 27, 2012
Two palm-sized sculptures excavated from the tomb of the wife of a shogun in the Edo Period (1603-1867) will be on display for the first time beginning Oct. 27 at the Gangoji temple in Nara.