LEARN JAPAN View More
Is Japan Actually a Concrete Jungle? (The 65% Forest Secret)
The Cyberpunk Illusion When foreigners think of Japan, they usually picture the ultra-modern, neon-soaked streets of Tokyo, the chaotic sea of pedestrians at Shibuya Crossing, or the endless concrete sprawl of Osaka. It is easy to assume that Japan is just one giant, futuristic concrete jungle. However, this is a massive geographical illusion. If you take a bullet train (Shinkansen) just 30 minutes outside of any major Japanese city, the concrete suddenly disappears, replaced by an endless ocean of deep green mountains. Shockingly, roughly 65% of Japan’s entire landmass is covered in dense, uninhabited forests! The Squeeze of the Mountains…
Need a Best Man? Just Rent One! (Japan’s Fake Friend Industry)
The Pressure of Perfection In the United States, weddings are usually relaxed celebrations where you invite whoever is closest to you, regardless of the numbers. But in Japan, societal appearances (called “Seken-tei”) are incredibly important. A Japanese wedding is often highly structured, and there is an unspoken rule that the number of guests on the bride’s side should perfectly match the groom’s side. But what happens if the groom has 50 friends and the bride only has 10? Or what if you need a charismatic boss to give a speech, but you recently quit your job? In Japan, you don’t…
Why Does Japan Have 300,000 Different Last Names? (The Naming Chaos)
The Global Surname Contrast In many Asian countries, family names are highly concentrated. In South Korea, roughly half of the entire population shares just three last names: Kim, Lee, and Park. In China, huge portions of the population are named Wang or Li. But Japan is a massive, confusing outlier on the global stage. It is estimated that there are over 300,000 different surnames actively used in Japan today! This makes Japan one of the most surname-diverse countries in the world. It is incredibly common for people in specific local regions or rural villages to have unique, hyper-specific last names…
Why Is Japanese Anime So Incredibly Addictive? (The Secret Behind the Screen)
Beyond “Cartoons for Kids” If you look around Los Angeles today, Japanese anime is absolutely everywhere. From giant billboards on Sunset Boulevard to teenagers wearing Demon Slayer or Jujutsu Kaisen shirts at the mall, it has completely conquered global pop culture. But why is Japanese animation so uniquely captivating compared to Western shows? The biggest difference is the target audience. Historically, American cartoons were strictly designed for young children, focusing on simple comedy or moral lessons. In Japan, however, anime has always been respected as a serious medium for all ages. Creators are not afraid to tackle deep, complex, and…
What Do Japanese Kids Do After School? (The “Naraigoto” Culture)
The Busy Life of a Japanese Child In the United States, after-school activities are usually dominated by seasonal sports like AYSO soccer, Little League baseball, or casual gymnastics. But in Japan, kids are remarkably busy all year round with “Naraigoto” (extracurricular lessons). It is incredibly common for elementary school students to attend different specialized classes three to five days a week! While popular global sports like swimming, soccer, and baseball are always at the top of the list, the Japanese after-school industry includes fascinating traditional and modern subjects that you rarely see in a standard American neighborhood. Training the Brain:…
Costco vs. “Kosutoko”: Why Do Famous Names Sound Completely Different in Japan?
The Katakana Trap When you travel between Los Angeles and Tokyo, knowing a little English can sometimes be a disadvantage. Because Japan imports thousands of foreign words, they adapt them into their own phonetic alphabet called “Katakana.” While words like “Computer” (Konpyuta) are easy to figure out, global brand names and Hollywood celebrity names often undergo massive, confusing transformations. Sometimes the Japanese pronunciation is based strictly on the spelling, and sometimes it is actually closer to the original European pronunciation, leaving American tourists completely baffled during conversations! The IKEA and Costco Confusion Let’s start with the big box stores. If…
Why Is the Number “1” on Japanese Dice Always Red? (The Wakayama Marketing Trick)
The Casino Standard vs. Japan Whether you are playing a board game with your family in Los Angeles or rolling the dice at a craps table in Las Vegas, traditional dice always look the exact same. They are small white cubes with solid black dots on all six sides. However, if you play a traditional game in Japan like Sugoroku, or just buy a cheap pack of dice at a local 100-yen shop, you will immediately notice a glaring design difference. On almost every standard Japanese die, the single dot for the number “1” is significantly larger than the rest,…
Why Don’t Japanese People Have Middle Names? (The Koseki Law)
The Missing Name In the United States, having a middle name is entirely standard. Whether it is John Fitzgerald Kennedy or just a family name passed down to honor a grandfather, the middle name is a crucial part of personal identity. But if you look at a Japanese passport or a driver’s license, you will notice that the space between the family name and the given name is always empty. In Japan, middle names simply do not exist. Even if a Japanese person living in LA wanted to officially give their child a middle name, the Japanese government would completely…
EVENT View More
Discover the JINS Airframe Series
. Lightweight Comfort That Keeps Winning Fans ngs The JINS Airframe series has sold over 26 million pairs in Japan. Since its debut in 2009, it has continued to evolve with a focus on lightweight design and everyday comfort, earning strong support across the country. New “Zero-Gravity Balance” Design In the latest model, a newly designed “Zero-Gravity Balance” system has been introduced. By distributing the weight of the lenses more evenly, it delivers a natural, comfortable fit the moment you put them on. The design also reduces pressure on the nose, making it comfortable to wear even for long periods. In addition, medical-grade materials are used…
Exciting New Collaboration Items at Gacha & Catch
Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen in Rosemead is celebrating the New Year with a special campaign, “Cheers to 2026,” running now through Saturday, January 31st.
[April 17th] Rediscover the World of Shochu! “Shochu Fiesta” Coming Soon
. Celebration of Shochu: Premium Brands & Exquisite Pairings by Ise-Shima Join us on Friday, April 17th, for “Shochu Fiesta,” an event designed for everyone from shochu beginners to seasoned enthusiasts! The event will be held at Ise-Shima Restaurant, located within the Miyako Hybrid Hotel in Torrance. Enjoy an impressive lineup of premium shochu, including popular brands like Iichiko, Nikaido, and Nankai Shochu. Best of all, guests can enjoy unlimited shochu tastings throughout the evening. Savor Ise-Shima’s signature appetizers, such as yakitori, are perfectly paired to complement the spirits. Gather your friends and colleagues for a vibrant and flavorful night out! Event Details ・Date &…
April 17 Event: “Shochu Fiesta” Rediscover the Charm of Shochu
Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen in Rosemead is celebrating the New Year with a special campaign, “Cheers to 2026,” running now through Saturday, January 31st.
Exclusive Pre-Sale for YOSHIKI in L.A. July 16-17!
YOSHIKI returns to Los Angeles for “Classical 2026” at Walt Disney Concert Hall on July16–17! Experience the monumental “rebirth” of a global icon in two amazing LIVE performances-“Scarlet Night” and “Violet Night” – with different set lists each night! Use the exclusive pre-sale code ROCKSTAR to get your seats before general tickets go on saleApril 10!
MONTHLY FEATURE View More
A Short Ride, a Whole New Japan: Discover Tochigi Prefecture
About two hours away by train, Tochigi Prefecture invites visitors to discover a captivating mix of historic treasures, immersive culture, and scenic landscapes—an easy escape for those seeking authenticity beyond the capital.
Step Into the Action: Japan’s Ultimate Pro Wrestling Experience
Step Into the Action: Japan’s Ultimate Pro Wrestling Experience
Sportiva Arena Offers Unforgettable Ways to Live Your Pro-wrestling Fandom Dreams!
Shochu 101: From Classic Sips to Modern Cocktails
What is Shochu? Shochu is a spirit that features a variety of traditional ingredients drawn from Japan’s long history, offering a wide range of appealing aromas and flavors. There are two main types of Shochu: authentic Honkaku Shochu (single-distilled) and the more neutral-tasting Korui Shochu (multiple-distilled). Honkaku Shochu is crafted from a diverse array of raw, flavorful ingredients. Its alcohol by volume (ABV) typically ranges from 20% to 30%, which is lower than that of many other spirits worldwide. However, the aromas produced by different ingredients and distillation methods give Honkaku Shochu a truly memorable character. Let’s explore some of…
YUZU – Japan’s Citrus Star Taking Over Global Cuisine
Yuzu is a small, highly aromatic citrus fruit native to East Asia, and it has been treasured in Japan for centuries. In modern times, it remains deeply rooted in Japan’s food culture and traditional customs. The fruit is roughly the size of a small grapefruit, with a rough, bumpy skin. As it ripens, its skin turns a vibrant yellow, releasing a powerful fragrance that can fill an entire room with just a single piece. The flavor of yuzu is uniquely complex, blending the sharp acidity of lemon, the gentle sweetness of mandarin orange, and a slight bitterness reminiscent of grapefruit.…
Quick & Easy: The Rise of Japan’s Frozen and Instant Foods
Shimokitazawa in Tokyo’s Setagaya City. Unique shops come together in this town that fosters a culture of originality.
INTERVIEW View More
[Japanese Interviews: Life in LA] Dan Sawada : “I Take Pride in What I Build — Loving the Product Is What Kept Me Going”
“It all started with coming here to chase my dream of forming a band with Americans, touring the world, and becoming a rock star.” Atsushi Nakagawa founded AMAZAKE CO. in Los Angeles in April 2019. He is the creator of the “Amazake Latte,” which has gained popularity at Farmers Markets in Torrance and Hollywood. How did his dream evolve? We took a closer look at his life.
[ Interview ] Yuriyan Retriever – Comedian | Netflix Is A Joke Presents: Yuriyan Retriever at Laugh Factory is coming up!
“It all started with coming here to chase my dream of forming a band with Americans, touring the world, and becoming a rock star.” Atsushi Nakagawa founded AMAZAKE CO. in Los Angeles in April 2019. He is the creator of the “Amazake Latte,” which has gained popularity at Farmers Markets in Torrance and Hollywood. How did his dream evolve? We took a closer look at his life.
[Japanese Interviews: Life in LA] Kent Hayashi : The Challenge of Global Sports Agent — Soccer Gave Me My Life — Passing It On to the Next Generation
“It all started with coming here to chase my dream of forming a band with Americans, touring the world, and becoming a rock star.” Atsushi Nakagawa founded AMAZAKE CO. in Los Angeles in April 2019. He is the creator of the “Amazake Latte,” which has gained popularity at Farmers Markets in Torrance and Hollywood. How did his dream evolve? We took a closer look at his life.
[Japanese Interviews: Life in LA] Wataru Matsumoto: What Baseball Taught Me — A Life of Exploration and Verification
“It all started with coming here to chase my dream of forming a band with Americans, touring the world, and becoming a rock star.” Atsushi Nakagawa founded AMAZAKE CO. in Los Angeles in April 2019. He is the creator of the “Amazake Latte,” which has gained popularity at Farmers Markets in Torrance and Hollywood. How did his dream evolve? We took a closer look at his life.
[Japanese Interviews: Life in LA] Haruka Igarashi: From Tokyo Stages to the Global Success of ‘SHOGUN’
Haruka Igarashi Profession: ActorBorn: 1995, Toshima Ward, Tokyo, Japan.Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities (European Culture), graduated in 2019.Career Highlights: Made her stage debut in the play Shugakuryoko in Tokyo as a teenager. After graduating from university, she moved to the U.S. in December 2020 to pursue broader acting opportunities. She gained international recognition for her role as “Lady Rin” in the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning historical drama SHOGUN. She also stars as Keiko in the upcoming horror-suspense film Parachutes, which she represented at the San Diego Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival. ■ Stepping into the Hollywood Spotlight “I’ve always been…
TRAVEL View More
A Short Ride, a Whole New Japan: Discover Tochigi Prefecture
About two hours away by train, Tochigi Prefecture invites visitors to discover a captivating mix of historic treasures, immersive culture, and scenic landscapes—an easy escape for those seeking authenticity beyond the capital.
Travel Eastern Japan with Comfort and Ease | JAPAN RAIL CAFÉ Los Angeles Returns! (Feb 6–8)
Back by popular demand! The “JAPAN RAIL CAFÉ Los Angeles” pop-up store is returning to Tokyo Central Gardena for three days only, from February 6 (Fri) to February 8 (Sun).
Step Into the Action: Japan’s Ultimate Pro Wrestling Experience
Step Into the Action: Japan’s Ultimate Pro Wrestling Experience
Sportiva Arena Offers Unforgettable Ways to Live Your Pro-wrestling Fandom Dreams!
Anime Place 2024
Shimokitazawa in Tokyo’s Setagaya City. Unique shops come together in this town that fosters a culture of originality.
Trip 2 JAPAN | Beyond Sightseeing: Exploring Japan Through Food, Culure, and Unique Experiences
With the continued trend of a weak yen, the number of visitors to Japan has been steadily increasing. In 2024, the number of inbound tourists reached 36.86 million, setting a new all-time annual record. Notably, the United States ranked 4th in the number of visitors by country. Japan’s rich cultural heritage, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking seasonal landscapes continue to captivate travelers from around the world. At the same time, travel styles are becoming increasingly diverse. In the past, many tourists focused on experiencing Japan’s history by visiting famous temples and strolling through old townscapes. However, today’s travelers have a wider…
att.JAPAN’s Top Picks: 100 Best Things to Do in Japan #69-#100 (Chugoku/Shikoku/Kyushu/Okinawa)
Shimokitazawa in Tokyo’s Setagaya City. Unique shops come together in this town that fosters a culture of originality.
att.JAPAN’s Top Picks: 100 Best Things to Do in Japan #34-#68 (Chubu/Kansai)
Shimokitazawa in Tokyo’s Setagaya City. Unique shops come together in this town that fosters a culture of originality.
att.JAPAN’s Top Picks: 100 Best Things to Do in Japan #25-#33 (Tokyo)
Shimokitazawa in Tokyo’s Setagaya City. Unique shops come together in this town that fosters a culture of originality.
FOOD View More
Don’t Miss Kimukatsu’s Deluxe Combo Box!
Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen in Rosemead is celebrating the New Year with a special campaign, “Cheers to 2026,” running now through Saturday, January 31st.
Enjoy Premium Seasonal Ingredients from Japan at IZAKAYA GO
Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen in Rosemead is celebrating the New Year with a special campaign, “Cheers to 2026,” running now through Saturday, January 31st.
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a Special Plate from MIDOH!
Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen in Rosemead is celebrating the New Year with a special campaign, “Cheers to 2026,” running now through Saturday, January 31st.
Why Are Japanese Convenience Store Sweets So Good? (The Tuesday Miracle)
Beyond the Gas Station Snack In the US, gas station or convenience store desserts are usually sad, pre-packaged donuts or highly processed candy bars that sit on the shelf for months. But in Japan, the “Konbini” dessert aisle is a fiercely competitive culinary battleground. It genuinely rivals the quality of a high-end French bakery, offering everything from fluffy roll cakes made with premium Hokkaido cream to rich, bitter Uji matcha parfaits. The Tuesday Rule The secret to their success is the aggressive product development cycle. Japanese convenience stores release a brand-new lineup of seasonal sweets almost every single Tuesday! They…
Why “Hibachi” Restaurants Are a Myth (The Teppanyaki Mix-Up)
The American Favorite If you want a fun, fiery, and highly entertaining dinner in the US, you go to a “Hibachi” restaurant. Chefs wearing tall hats masterfully flip shrimp into their pockets, juggle sharp knives, and create massive volcanos out of stacked onions. It is a beloved American dining experience. But if you travel to Tokyo and ask your hotel concierge to recommend a good “Hibachi” restaurant, they will look at you in complete confusion. The Translation Trap In Japanese, a “Hibachi” (literally “fire bowl”) is actually an ancient, traditional indoor heating stove. It is a ceramic pot filled with…
Was Japan a Vegetarian Nation for 1,400 Years? (The Meat-Eating Taboo)
The Ancient Meat Ban When foreigners think of Japanese food today, they usually imagine Wagyu beef, tonkotsu ramen, or chicken teriyaki. However, for the vast majority of Japanese history, eating the meat of four-legged animals was strictly forbidden. In 675 AD, Emperor Tenmu issued the first official decree banning the consumption of cattle, horses, dogs, monkeys, and chickens, largely influenced by the Buddhist belief in the sanctity of life. This was not a temporary fad; the ban was reinforced for over 1,000 years. While people still occasionally ate wild boar or deer (calling them “mountain whales” to bypass the rules),…