Kanda Myojin IT Charms Explained
Why does a Tokyo shrine offer an IT charm? Explore Kanda Myojin’s history, Japanese workplace rituals, the ¥1,000 offering and how to visit respectfully.
Akihabara · Tokyo · Japan
Akihabara & Japan
Articles, practical questions and conversations about electronics, anime, Japanese culture and everyday life in Japan.
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Animate Girls Festival 2026 First Visit Guide
Plan AGF in Ikebukuro on November 7–8: main-hall tickets versus stage viewing, face-photo requirements, prices and a Japanese fan’s experience.
2k540 Crafts Beneath the Railway in Akihabara
Explore 2k540 through its makers, materials and workshops, with Japanese perspectives, current shop examples and practical access from Akihabara.
Art Week Tokyo 2026: From Zines to Sculpture
Explore Art Week Tokyo through zines and sculpture: two contrasting galleries, November 4–8 dates, November 6–8 free buses and verified venue hours.
Tokyo Game Dungeon 14: What a Demo Can Teach Its Maker
Visit Tokyo Game Dungeon 14 on October 31, 2026: admission choices, the October 25 early-entry deadline and Japanese creators’ lessons from playtesting.
Nuikatsu Explained: Why Fans Take Plushies Out
What is nuikatsu? Explore Japan’s plush-companion hobby through Japanese fan experiences, creative choices and practical tips for a first outing.
Roppongi Art Night 2026: Choose Your Night of Art
Plan Roppongi Art Night on October 31–November 1: free installations, overnight performances, English tours and Japanese perspectives on looking at art.
Ikebukuro Halloween 2026: A First-Timer’s Cosplay Guide
Choose how to enjoy Ikebukuro Halloween 2026: watching, cosplay or photography, with checked ticket rules and Japanese participants’ experiences.
Japan’s ‘Breeding Visa’ Is a Hoax: The Sources Explained
Japan has no breeding visa. Trace the documented April Fool’s story, its correction and Japanese-language reactions, and find the real official visa information.
Shojo Manga Infinity in Tokyo: Three Artists, Original Pages
Meet Moto Hagio, Ryoko Yamagishi and Waki Yamato through Tokyo’s Shojo Manga Infinity exhibition: original artwork, Japanese perspectives and visitor details.
DREAMSCAPE #5: Discovering Indie Games in Tokyo
Understand DREAMSCAPE’s themed indie-game exhibitions through art, puzzle and action examples and Japanese participant perspectives. The October 2026 edition has ended.
Doujin Music Explained: Japan’s Creator-Run Music Scene
Understand Japanese doujin music, circles and music markets through creator and listener perspectives, with historical context from M3 Autumn 2026.
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Arduino in Japan and Akihabara?
Arduino, arguably the most popular micro controller platform, is popular in Japan too. Japan has a wide range of made-in-Japan and made-for-Japan micrcocontroller platforms. They …
Samurai Nicknames, Monikers, Aliases, and Pseudonyms
When I studied abroad in Japan I was not the only Adam in my program, so in an effort to differentiate my friends dubbed me “Megane,” due to my spectacular specs. Nicknames are quite common in Engli…
Japan's First Specialist Robot Store! The Original Akihabara Robot Shop "Tsukumo Robot Kingdom"
"Tsukumo Robot Kingdom" is Japan's first specialist robot store. As a robot specialist, they've obviously got robots, and there are also other attractions such…
Shopping for a "plus size" in Japan
Living in Japan is an everyday challenge for me. As a 180 cm tall girl I probably have average size in my home country Germany, but in Japan I am considered as chubby, very tall and “meda…
7 Interesting Facts About Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Japan
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Japan is an engineering marvel and record-breaker. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge also called the Akashi Strait bridge or Pearl Bridge is one of the world's longest s…
Are there any onsens (natural hot springs) located close to Akihabara?
If I go to akihabara in the afternoon or an evening, is there any onsen that I can access easily?