Japan is full of national treasures, from beautiful nature spots to old architecture, but one of the most interesting classes of national treasures is the living kind. Masters of their crafts, these national treasures often represent the heights of Japanese arts — including doll making! But we’re not talking about G.I. Joe figures or Barbie dolls, we’re talking about works of art that look less like toys and more like real people frozen in time.
Goyo Hirata was exactly that kind of artist, and once you see some of his creations, you’ll agree that he was definitely deserving of the status of Living National Treasure. Though Hirata passed away in 1981, his work is still celebrated today and no less amazing.
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
All-you-can-drink Starbucks and amazing views part of Tokyo’s new 170 meter-high sky lounge
McDonald’s Japan releases a pancake pie for new retro kissaten coffeeshop series
Super Nintendo World expansion gets delayed for several months at Universal Studios Japan
Studio Ghibli glasses cases let anime characters keep an eye on your spectacles
More foreign tourists than ever before in history visited Japan last month
It’s Japanese commercial time! Watch the best ads from 2017 in one glossy 4K video
Legendary Melon Bread by Tokyo Banana returns after 20-year absence【Taste Test】
Dogs now allowed on Catbus! Ghibli Park vehicles revise service animal policy
McDonald’s Japan goes old-school with new Showa-era Kissa Mac sweets lineup【Photos】
Disney princesses get official manga makeovers for Manga Princess Cafe opening in Tokyo
Starbucks reopens at Shibuya Scramble Crossing with new look and design concept
Beautiful new Final Fantasy T-shirt collection on the way from Uniqlo【Photos】
Is the new Shinkansen Train Desk ticket worth it?
Foreign English teachers in Japan pick their favorite Japanese-language phrases【Survey】
Japanese convenience store packs a whole bento into an onigiri rice ball
We try out “Chan Ramen”, an underground type of ramen popular in the ramen community
Studio Ghibli releases Kiki’s Delivery Service chocolate cake pouches in Japan
Japan’s bone-breaking and record-breaking roller coaster is permanently shutting down
New definition of “Japanese whiskey” goes into effect to prevent fakes from fooling overseas buyers
Our Japanese reporter visits Costco in the U.S., finds super American and very Japanese things
Studio Ghibli unveils Mother’s Day gift set that captures the love in My Neighbour Totoro
Foreign passenger shoves conductor on one of the last full runs for Japan’s Thunderbird train
Domino’s Japan now sells…pizza ears?
New Japanese KitKat flavour stars Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty
Kyoto creates new for-tourist buses to address overtourism with higher prices, faster rides
Sales of Japan’s most convenient train ticket/shopping payment cards suspended indefinitely
Sold-out Studio Ghibli desktop humidifiers are back so Totoro can help you through the dry season
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Ghibli founders Toshio Suzuki and Hayao Miyazaki contribute to Japanese whisky Totoro label design
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Tokyo’s most famous Starbucks is closed
One Piece characters’ nationalities revealed, but fans have mixed opinions
We asked a Uniqlo employee what four things we should buy and their suggestions didn’t disappoint
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
More foreign tourists than ever before in history visited Japan last month
It’s Japanese commercial time! Watch the best ads from 2017 in one glossy 4K video
Legendary Melon Bread by Tokyo Banana returns after 20-year absence【Taste Test】
Dogs now allowed on Catbus! Ghibli Park vehicles revise service animal policy
McDonald’s Japan goes old-school with new Showa-era Kissa Mac sweets lineup【Photos】
Japanese museum celebrates Golden Week by publicly dissecting rare sea creature 【Photos】
Muscly Japanese men fill stock photo site with hilarious poses in unusual settings
New sushi restaurant hidden inside Tokyo Station is a secret gem
Salaryman gives drunk female coworker a ride home, gets beaten into unconsciousness for it
Catch trendy Pokémon at Harajuku’s Takeshita Street for a limited time
Studio Ghibli releases new action figures featuring Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind characters
In Kyoto, “Hey, you’ve got a really nice watch” is NOT a compliment, Japanese businessman says
Pokémon cakes appear at Ginza Cozy Corner for a very limited time