Capybaras are typically described as the “world’s biggest rodent,” but their murine roots are rarely spoken of in Japan, where they are arguably the country’s favorite animal. According to recent dat…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 9 years, 3 months ago | 2 comments

Japan counts years using a system of era names. The current era is Heisei, which began when Emperor Akihito succeeded his father in 1989. A new era will begin when his heir takes the throne. This art…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 9 years, 3 months ago | 1 comment

According to the Foreign Language Institute, Japanese is classified as the most difficult language to learn for English speakers, as it requires 2,200 hours of classroom study to reach professional p…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 9 years, 3 months ago | 0 comments

Japan has taken a step closer to realising its dream of launching flying cars in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, following investment from a major car company.

Toyota is funding a project which aim…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 9 years, 3 months ago | 0 comments

In a rural part of Fukuoka prefecture there’s a small company that’s been making children’s fireworks for over 80 years. Tsutsui Tokimasa Fireworks specializes in small, handheld sparklers and are on…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 9 years, 3 months ago | 0 comments

Princess Mako, the granddaughter of Japan's emperor, is getting married to an ocean lover who can ski, play the violin and cook, according to public broadcaster NHK TV.

posted by  banzaitokyo | 9 years, 3 months ago | 0 comments

With 304 restaurants on the list, Tokyo boasts the most Michelin-starred restaurants of any city. It easily outstrips closest rival Kyoto (135) and Paris (134). It also proves that you shouldn't have…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 9 years, 3 months ago | 0 comments

Yokota Air Base and the Yokosuka naval base are well-known U.S. bases in the Tokyo area. But few people know the U.S. military also has a major facility right in the heart of the city.

Since 1945, U.…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 9 years, 3 months ago | 0 comments

Take the train from Tokyo’s Kitasenju-station, about 80 minutes North-East up to Gunma Prefecture, and you will arrive at Ota station. In front of Ota station’s North Exit is the newly opened Ota Art…

posted by  banzaitokyo | 9 years, 3 months ago | 0 comments

The translation and localization industry has seen some impressive innovations over the past decade, but in many ways, it has remained stubbornly resistant to change.

posted by  banzaitokyo | 9 years, 3 months ago | 0 comments