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Doyo no Ushi unagi grilled eel Japan summer tradition

Japan Now! What Is Doyo no Ushi? The Day All of Japan Eats Eel(7/15)

For decades, America has had its seasonal food rituals: turkey in November, pumpkin spice in October, hot dogs on the Fourth. However, Japan has one that outdoes them all in specificity: one calendar-appointed day in late July when the entire country, from centuries-old specialty restaurants to fast food chains and convenience stores, sits down to eat grilled eel. It is called Doyo no Ushi no Hi, and in 2026 it falls on Sunday, July 26. Quick Answer: Doyo no Ushi (the “Ox Day of Doyo”) is the traditional day for eating unagi, Japanese grilled eel, believed to build stamina against…

Japanese fireworks festivals hanabi taikai summer night sky Japan

Japan Now! Japan’s Fireworks Season Is 900 Festivals Long (Yes, Nine Hundred)(7/14)

For most Angelenos, fireworks mean exactly one night a year. Consumer fireworks are illegal in the City of Los Angeles, so the Fourth of July show is it: one evening of color, then eleven months of waiting. However, in Japan, fireworks season is just getting started in mid-July, and it will not stop until November. This year roughly 900 fireworks festivals, called hanabi taikai, will light up the country, and a single viral post listing this summer’s schedule has racked up over 3.4 million views. Quick Answer: Japan holds hundreds of major fireworks festivals every summer, with the biggest concentrated…

Bon Odori dancers circle yagura Shibuya summer festival Japan

Japan Now! Bon Odori Takes Over Shibuya! The 600-Year-Old Dance in Japan’s Trendiest District (7/13)

For decades, Shibuya has been shorthand for everything new in Japan: the scramble crossing, youth fashion, neon-soaked nightlife. However, on the evening of August 8, the district will do something radically old. The streets around SHIBUYA109 will close to traffic, a wooden yagura tower will rise in the middle of the road, and thousands of people in yukata will dance in circles to songs their great-grandparents knew. This is Bon Odori, and it is one of Japan’s oldest living traditions. Quick Answer: Bon Odori is the traditional circle dance of Obon, Japan’s midsummer festival honoring ancestral spirits. Shibuya Bon Odori…

Red Brick Sunset 2026 Santa Monica theme Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

Japan Now! Japan Is Building Its Own Santa Monica, and It Opens August 1 (7/10)

For years, Japanese pop culture fans in America have recreated a little piece of Japan at home, from ramen nights to anime conventions. However, this summer the tables have turned completely: Japan is building a full-scale replica of Santa Monica, palm trees, pier, white sand and all, right on the Yokohama waterfront. It is called Red Brick Sunset 2026, and it might be Japan’s most American event ever. Quick Answer: Red Brick Sunset 2026 runs August 1 to 30 at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, one of Japan’s most popular waterfront venues. This year’s theme is Santa Monica, complete with a…

Ultraman 60th anniversary Ultraman Day July 10 Japan

Japan Now! Ultraman Turns 60! Japan Celebrates Ultraman Day (7/10)

For sixty years, one silver giant has been saving Earth on Japanese television, decades before superhero universes became Hollywood’s favorite formula. However, most American fans who discovered Ultraman through Netflix’s “Ultraman: Rising” have no idea that in Japan, July 10 is an official holiday for the character, and this year’s is the biggest one ever. The Ultraman 60th anniversary is officially here, and Japan is going all in. Quick Answer: In Japan, July 10 is Ultraman Day, officially recognized by the Japan Anniversary Association. It marks July 10, 1966, when Ultraman first appeared on Japanese TV. In 2026, the franchise…

Shinzo Abe assassination fourth anniversary memorial Japan

Japan Now! 4 Years Since the Shinzo Abe Assassination, Japan Remembers(7/8)

For decades, Japan has been known as one of the safest countries in the world, a place where political violence felt like a relic of another century. However, July 8 marks the day that assumption was shattered: four years ago today, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated during a campaign speech in Nara, an event that shocked Japan and made headlines around the globe. The Shinzo Abe assassination remains one of the most consequential events in Japan’s modern political history. Quick Answer: July 8, 2026 marks four years since former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was fatally shot while giving…

Tanabata festival bamboo decorations with tanzaku wishes in Japan

Japan Now! It’s Tanabata! Why All of Japan Is Wishing on Stars Today(7/7)

Every July 7, something magical happens across Japan: train stations, shopping malls, and schools fill with bamboo branches covered in colorful paper strips, each one carrying someone’s handwritten wish. However, here is what most visitors never learn: according to the original legend, today is the only day of the year when two star-crossed lovers in the sky are allowed to meet, and all of Japan is celebrating their reunion at the Tanabata festival. Quick Answer: Tanabata (July 7) is Japan’s “Star Festival,” celebrating the once-a-year reunion of Orihime and Hikoboshi, two lovers separated by the Milky Way. People write wishes…

Sword Art Online Integral Domain new SAO movie 2028 announcement

Japan Now! New Sword Art Online Movie “Integral Domain” Announced for 2028 (7/6)

For over a decade, Sword Art Online has been the gateway anime that introduced millions of Western fans to the idea of living inside a video game. However, ever since the epic Alicization arc concluded in 2020, one question has haunted the fandom: what happens to Kirito and Asuna next? Japan just answered with the reveal of Sword Art Online Integral Domain. Quick Answer: A brand-new original Sword Art Online movie, titled Sword Art Online the Movie -Integral Domain-, will hit Japanese theaters in 2028. It tells a completely original story set after the Alicization arc, with a story concept…

EVENT View More

Saori Yuki concert in Los Angeles 2026 at Redondo Beach

YUKI SAORI in LOS ANGELES ~From 1969 to the Future~ ★On Sale!★

Tickets are now on sale for the highly anticipated Los Angeles-area concert by internationally acclaimed singer Saori Yuki. Saori Yuki first captured the attention of American audiences through her celebrated collaboration with Pink Martini, which led to nationwide recognition in the United States and introduced her timeless voice to music lovers around the world. Now, after approximately nine years, she is returning to the United States for a special live performance. On Saturday, August 22, 2026, Saori Yuki will take the stage in Redondo Beach, California, for an evening showcasing her signature elegance, emotional depth, and unforgettable vocals. Whether you…

Japanese fireworks festivals hanabi taikai summer night sky Japan

Japan Now! Japan’s Fireworks Season Is 900 Festivals Long (Yes, Nine Hundred)(7/14)

For most Angelenos, fireworks mean exactly one night a year. Consumer fireworks are illegal in the City of Los Angeles, so the Fourth of July show is it: one evening of color, then eleven months of waiting. However, in Japan, fireworks season is just getting started in mid-July, and it will not stop until November. This year roughly 900 fireworks festivals, called hanabi taikai, will light up the country, and a single viral post listing this summer’s schedule has racked up over 3.4 million views. Quick Answer: Japan holds hundreds of major fireworks festivals every summer, with the biggest concentrated…

Bon Odori dancers circle yagura Shibuya summer festival Japan

Japan Now! Bon Odori Takes Over Shibuya! The 600-Year-Old Dance in Japan’s Trendiest District (7/13)

For decades, Shibuya has been shorthand for everything new in Japan: the scramble crossing, youth fashion, neon-soaked nightlife. However, on the evening of August 8, the district will do something radically old. The streets around SHIBUYA109 will close to traffic, a wooden yagura tower will rise in the middle of the road, and thousands of people in yukata will dance in circles to songs their great-grandparents knew. This is Bon Odori, and it is one of Japan’s oldest living traditions. Quick Answer: Bon Odori is the traditional circle dance of Obon, Japan’s midsummer festival honoring ancestral spirits. Shibuya Bon Odori…

Binge-Watch The Solitary Gourmet on Channel Oishii

Binge-Watch The Solitary Gourmet on Channel Oishii

https://youtu.be/qOm1lthb8k4 The Solitary Gourmet  This drama highlights the pleasures of eating alone. Goro Inogashira runs a small business selling various goods. His job takes him on sales trips to all sorts of neighborhoods. The places he stops to eat are where the drama unfolds. Each time, he discovers surprising culinary delights. This drama is based on a popular comic book, but the eateries he visits are actual restaurants. Channel Oishii will be releasing Seasons 1 through 10 sequentially, giving viewers the opportunity to follow Goro’s culinary adventures from the very beginning. In addition to The Solitary Gourmet, Channel Oishii features…

Red Brick Sunset 2026 Santa Monica theme Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

Japan Now! Japan Is Building Its Own Santa Monica, and It Opens August 1 (7/10)

For years, Japanese pop culture fans in America have recreated a little piece of Japan at home, from ramen nights to anime conventions. However, this summer the tables have turned completely: Japan is building a full-scale replica of Santa Monica, palm trees, pier, white sand and all, right on the Yokohama waterfront. It is called Red Brick Sunset 2026, and it might be Japan’s most American event ever. Quick Answer: Red Brick Sunset 2026 runs August 1 to 30 at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, one of Japan’s most popular waterfront venues. This year’s theme is Santa Monica, complete with a…

MONTHLY FEATURE View More

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.…

INTERVIEW View More

Carine Lantignac, a French artist living in Japan as a foreigner

I LIVE IN JAPAN / Carine Lantignac / Artist and Cultural consultant

Jun 2026 (VOL.224) Carine Lantignac What is it really like to live in Japan as a foreign artist? In this I Live in Japan interview, French artist and cultural consultant Carine Lantignac shares 13 years of life in Tokyo, raising three children and building Mapponica, her art maps made from traditional Japanese paper. What do you do in Japan? I have been going through different phases of adaptations following my family needs, being the prime physical carer of my children I had to constantly find the most suitable solution. I have three children and a Japanese husband, so caring. My…

Julie Mitrovic, a French coach living in Japan as a foreigner

I LIVE IN JAPAN / Julie Mitrovic / Coach & Facilitator

May 2026 (VOL.223) Julie Mitrovic What do you do in Japan? Can you talk about your job in Japan? I’m a coach and facilitator working with women navigating major life or career transitions. I help them reconnect with themselves and move forward with clarity and confidence, using a blend of somatic coaching and Positive Psychology. I support them in those in-between moments where the old version no longer fits, but the new one hasn’t fully emerged yet. After 10 years working in Admin and HR, I wanted to deepen my impact, so I started a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology…

The Front Line of Anime Music “Yoko Takahashi × Yoko Kanno” Special Interview

Anime Expo 2026 Special Feature The Front Line of Anime Music Yoko Takahashi × Yoko Kanno Special Interview Anime Expo 2026, one of the world’s largest anime events, will take place in Los Angeles from July 2 to 6. Among its most anticipated stages is J-POP SOUND CAPSULE, where acclaimed Japanese singer Yoko Takahashi and celebrated composer Yoko Kanno will appear. Yoko Takahashi continues to captivate fans around the world with “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” the iconic theme song from Neon Genesis Evangelion. Yoko Kanno, meanwhile, is the composer behind the music of landmark anime works such as Cowboy Bebop…

I LIVE IN JAPAN / Mathilde DUBOIIS / Co-founder of tokimeki LLC

April 2026 (VOL.222) Mathilde DUBOIIS What do you do in Japan? Can you talk about your job in Japan? I co-founded tokimeki LLC with Alice Agnellet. We support foreign entities’ operations in Japan, mostly events-related. We do language and cultural support, and action our networks to best support our clients’ needs.  Some of our main projects include : international competitions pre-camp (Olympics, World Aquatics), product launch on-trade dinners (Baron Philippe de Rothschild), Project Management (Cezars Kitchen for Osaka EXPO)… Before tokimeki, I worked for Kanazawa City as a Coordinator for International Relations for 7 years which forged most of my…

I LIVE IN JAPAN / Bernard McEntee / Teacher

March 2026 (VOL.221) Bernard McEntee What do you do in Japan? Can you talk about your job in Japan? I’m recently became a licensed teacher in Hokkaido, Japan. Before that I was a JET ALT for 4 years and was the prefectural advisor to the 5th largest city (Sapporo) for my last year as a JET.  What do you find different about living in Japan over the term compared when you first arrived or come as a tourist? So some really important advice if you come here to actually live is to know how to seek out help. Especially your…

TRAVEL View More

Japanese fireworks festivals hanabi taikai summer night sky Japan

Japan Now! Japan’s Fireworks Season Is 900 Festivals Long (Yes, Nine Hundred)(7/14)

For most Angelenos, fireworks mean exactly one night a year. Consumer fireworks are illegal in the City of Los Angeles, so the Fourth of July show is it: one evening of color, then eleven months of waiting. However, in Japan, fireworks season is just getting started in mid-July, and it will not stop until November. This year roughly 900 fireworks festivals, called hanabi taikai, will light up the country, and a single viral post listing this summer’s schedule has racked up over 3.4 million views. Quick Answer: Japan holds hundreds of major fireworks festivals every summer, with the biggest concentrated…

Bon Odori dancers circle yagura Shibuya summer festival Japan

Japan Now! Bon Odori Takes Over Shibuya! The 600-Year-Old Dance in Japan’s Trendiest District (7/13)

For decades, Shibuya has been shorthand for everything new in Japan: the scramble crossing, youth fashion, neon-soaked nightlife. However, on the evening of August 8, the district will do something radically old. The streets around SHIBUYA109 will close to traffic, a wooden yagura tower will rise in the middle of the road, and thousands of people in yukata will dance in circles to songs their great-grandparents knew. This is Bon Odori, and it is one of Japan’s oldest living traditions. Quick Answer: Bon Odori is the traditional circle dance of Obon, Japan’s midsummer festival honoring ancestral spirits. Shibuya Bon Odori…

Red Brick Sunset 2026 Santa Monica theme Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

Japan Now! Japan Is Building Its Own Santa Monica, and It Opens August 1 (7/10)

For years, Japanese pop culture fans in America have recreated a little piece of Japan at home, from ramen nights to anime conventions. However, this summer the tables have turned completely: Japan is building a full-scale replica of Santa Monica, palm trees, pier, white sand and all, right on the Yokohama waterfront. It is called Red Brick Sunset 2026, and it might be Japan’s most American event ever. Quick Answer: Red Brick Sunset 2026 runs August 1 to 30 at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, one of Japan’s most popular waterfront venues. This year’s theme is Santa Monica, complete with a…

Japan Now! What Is Typhoon Season in Japan, and Should Travelers Worry? (6/25)

If you are planning a summer trip to Japan, you have probably pictured warm evenings, festivals, and clear skies over Mt. Fuji. Here is something that does not always make the travel brochures. Summer is also typhoon season, and right now two of them are spinning near Japan at the same time. If you are visiting between roughly June and October, this is worth understanding before you go. Quick Answer: Japan’s typhoon season runs from about June through October, with the peak in August and September. Typhoons are powerful tropical storms (the Pacific cousin of hurricanes) that can bring extreme…

Japan Now! Why is Japan Quintupling Its Visa Fees? The Story Behind the Massive 2026 Price Hike 🇯🇵 (6/19)

For decades, Japan has been the ultimate dream destination for American travelers, offering stunning temples, unmatched hospitality, and in recent years, an incredibly favorable exchange rate due to the weak yen. But Japan visa fees are about to change in a big way. A major financial update from Tokyo is currently making headlines across Japan, and it’s something every future traveler and expat needs to know. Starting July 1, 2026, the Japanese government will implement a massive hike in foreigner visa fees, marking the first major overhaul of its kind since 1978. “【Announcement】Visa fees for foreigners to be raised 5…

FOOD View More

Inside MOTO WHOOPS, a Japanese-owned motorcycle shop in Gardena, lined with bikes

Celebrating 20 Years: MOTO WHOOPS, the Motorcycle Shop in Gardena

MOTO WHOOPS, a Japanese-owned motorcycle shop in Gardena, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. If it has anything to do with motorcycles, MOTO WHOOPS can handle it. Built as an oasis for every kind of rider, the shop covers maintenance, repairs, and custom work of all sorts.u Gardena. Whatever is troubling you about your bike, the easiest first step is a quick phone call. Stop by, give them a ring, and let the team take a look. What MOTO WHOOPS Offers From routine maintenance to repairs and custom builds, the shop takes on a wide range of motorcycle work. It is…

Shin-Sen-Gumi South Bay Gourmet Stamp Rally: yakitori, Hakata ramen, 2GO, and shabu-shabu in Gardena

Shin-Sen-Gumi’s South Bay Gourmet Stamp Rally Is On Through July 31

Shin-Sen-Gumi, the popular South Bay Japanese restaurant group, is running a Gourmet Stamp Rally through July 31. The rally spans four of its Gardena locations: the original Yakitori honten, Hakata Ramen Gardena, 2GO, and Shabu-Shabu Gardena. Here is how it works. Spend $25 or more (before tax and tip) at each participating location to earn a sticker. Collect all four stickers, and you will receive a $50 Shin-Sen-Gumi gift card plus original SSG merch. It is a fun excuse to eat your way across the South Bay this summer, from charcoal-grilled yakitori to rich Hakata tonkotsu ramen and shabu-shabu. Check…

Doyo no Ushi unagi grilled eel Japan summer tradition

Japan Now! What Is Doyo no Ushi? The Day All of Japan Eats Eel(7/15)

For decades, America has had its seasonal food rituals: turkey in November, pumpkin spice in October, hot dogs on the Fourth. However, Japan has one that outdoes them all in specificity: one calendar-appointed day in late July when the entire country, from centuries-old specialty restaurants to fast food chains and convenience stores, sits down to eat grilled eel. It is called Doyo no Ushi no Hi, and in 2026 it falls on Sunday, July 26. Quick Answer: Doyo no Ushi (the “Ox Day of Doyo”) is the traditional day for eating unagi, Japanese grilled eel, believed to build stamina against…

GreeNoodle organic moroheiya instant noodles in Plain, Tom Yum, Yakisoba, Miso, and Shiitake flavors

GreeNoodle: Healthy Organic Instant Noodles Made with Moroheiya

GreeNoodle is an organic instant noodle made with moroheiya (also known as molokhia or Egyptian spinach), a leafy green prized for its nutrition. Just swap it in for your usual instant noodles, and your meal stays delicious while becoming a lot healthier. Beyond the Plain variety, GreeNoodle comes in a range of flavors, including Miso, Tom Yum, and Yakisoba, so there is something for every craving. The brand’s official Instagram is also worth a follow, with plenty of arrangement and recipe ideas that put these noodles to use. What Makes GreeNoodle Different Unlike most instant noodles, these are not deep…

Yuzu tsukemen at Garlic High with yuzu-infused seafood dipping broth, thick noodles, nori, and chashu

New at Garlic High: Yuzu Seafood Tsukemen, for a Limited Time

Yuzu tsukemen is the newest limited-time dish at Garlic High, the Jiro-style ramen counter inside the Tokyo Central food courts. Its special dipping broth blends the fresh, bright aroma of Japanese yuzu with the rich umami of a concentrated seafood soup, all made with yuzu from Japan. The combination is the whole point here. Chewy thick noodles meet a dipping broth that is rich yet refreshing, a genuinely indulgent pairing. Enjoy it together with the thick, tender slices of chashu. What Makes the Yuzu Tsukemen Special Garlic High is known for its Jiro-style bowls, built on a rich pork broth,…

Tempura Carlos Jr. EXPRESS tendon tempura rice bowls at the Mitsuwa Del Amo food court in Torrance

Like Tempura Carlos Jr. EXPRESS on Instagram and Get a Free Drink

Tempura Carlos Jr. EXPRESS, popular for its crispy tendon (tempura rice bowls), is running a free drink offer at its food court location inside Mitsuwa Marketplace Del Amo in Torrance. Like their Instagram post and show it at the register to receive one free drink (with any food order). Choose from green tea, water, or cola to enjoy alongside your tempura. This express counter, which opened in the Mitsuwa Del Amo food court earlier in 2026, is known for its tendon bowls, its udon and tempura combo, and its Spam tempura musubi. Tempura Carlos Jr. EXPRESS Mitsuwa Marketplace Del Amo…