japan culture
Toyosu Fish Market in Japan Sells Tuna for $790,000
The 2024 New Year's auction at Tokyo's Toyosu Fish Market witnessed a historic catch, marking a new tradition and embodying a spirit of resilience in the wake of tragedy.
Julie Murasaki
Takashimaya Cake Crumble: Christmas Catastrophe
A major mishap at Takashimaya, a Japanese department store chain that sells various products, dampened Christmas festivities in Japan.
Julie Murasaki
Japanese Consumers Favorably Accept Price Hike in Ice Cream
On December 20th, the company Akagi-Nyugyo announced its famous “Garigari-kun” ice cream will rise in cost for the first time in eight years. Starting March 1st, 2024, ice cream like fan favorite “Garigari-kun Soda” will...
Julie Murasaki
Japanese Public Mocks PM Kishida with "Tax Hike Glasses"
A Japanese business has recently sold real "tax hike glasses," a meme that has taken off in Japan. SAWADA PLATEC, a small acrylic manufacturer in Saitama prefecture, currently sells the physical "zouzei-megane (tax hike ...
Julie Murasaki
“Smartphone Blanket” Goes Viral in Japan
As energy costs soar in Japan, home goods that conserve power draw interest. Thicker clothing substitutes heating. Seeking further warmth minus electric bills, Nitori developed its “Smartphone Blanket.” The concept combi...
Julie Murasaki
Kanji Character for "Tax" Chosen to Represent 2023
On December 12th, the Kanji character specifically meaning “tax” was unveiled as the “Kanji of the Year” for 2023 in Kyoto, Japan. The annual tradition is run by the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Society, which asks the J...
Julie Murasaki
Sanrio Develops Goods for Japan’s “Oshikatsu” Idol Subculture
A Japanese brand, Sanrio - a company famous for its characters such as Hello Kitty and Gudetama - recently launched a specialty product line called the “Enjoy Idol Series.” This line of products target the country’s nume...
Julie Murasaki
