THIS IS JAPAN

Navigating the streets of Tokyo can be an exhilarating adventure, but finding a parking spot in Tokyo? That’s a whole different challenge. As one of the world’s most densely populated cities, Tokyo’s parking scene is a mix of high-tech solutions, strict regulations, and cultural nuances that can catch international tourists …

In the vibrant world of Japanese cinema, few films manage to capture the hearts of audiences across generations while shattering long-standing records. The 2025 release Kokuho (translated as “National Treasure”) has done just that, surpassing 100 billion yen in box office earnings—a feat not achieved by a live-action Japanese film …

Tattoos, or irezumi in Japanese, have long been synonymous with the yakuza, Japan’s infamous organized crime syndicates. Far from mere body art, these intricate designs—often covering the entire body in vibrant patterns of dragons, koi fish, cherry blossoms, and mythical creatures—serve as profound symbols of identity, loyalty, and defiance. For …