Babies have been stamped with ink on the forehead in a traditional ritual for their healthy growth at a Shinto shrine in Gunma Prefecture, north of Tokyo.

The event which began at Fujitake shrine in …

posted by  Yubi | 8 years, 5 months ago | 1 comment

The H-2A rocket lifted off Thursday morning from Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan.
It carried Michibiki No.2, which is part of a 4-satellite system. The satellite was put into orbit at …

posted by  Yubi | 8 years, 5 months ago | 3 comments

Sumiko Iwamuro knows a thing or two about juggling work.

She spends her days behind the counter at a family-run specialty gyoza restaurant and one or two nights a month moonlighting under her stage n…

posted by  Tanuki | 8 years, 5 months ago | 4 comments

An ancient ball game known as "kemari" was staged at a major shrine in Nara. The event held at Kasugataisha shrine is named "Manyo-kemari".

A non-profit organization working to preserve Nara's cultur…

posted by  Tanuki | 8 years, 5 months ago | 2 comments

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has denied he used his influence to have the education ministry approve a veterinary school proposed by a university operator. The operator is headed by Abe's close friend.

posted by  Tanuki | 8 years, 5 months ago | 1 comment

The unlikely partnership between 2016’s one-hit wonder and Japan’s most powerful directly elected politician is meant to be promoting LED light bulbs and energy conservation. Governor Koike with a le…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 8 years, 5 months ago | 2 comments

This homey train station was where I would be meeting Hideo Goto, the fourth generation innkeeper of Takamine Onsen — a hidden ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) nestled 2,000 meters above the highlan…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 8 years, 5 months ago | 3 comments

Takayama is a castle town high up in the mountains of Gifu prefecture (4-5 hours from Tokyo), overflowing with traditional charm and busy streets waiting to be explored. Renowned for morning markets,…

posted by  Tanuki | 8 years, 5 months ago | 1 comment

Workaholic Japan is known for long office hours and stressed-out employees, but one company claims to have a cure: cats.

A total of nine fluffy felines eat, sleep and walk freely in the small office …

posted by  Tanuki | 8 years, 5 months ago | 1 comment

Sanrio Entertainment Co. said Thursday it will offer the right to “date” its popular character Hello Kitty to people who donate ¥100,000 each through crowdfunding for a summer festival to be held at …

posted by  Tanuki | 8 years, 5 months ago | 1 comment