Japan Arts & Culture

  • A Japanese Food Series: Konnyaku (こんにゃく)
    Konnyaku, also known as konjac yam, is a traditional Japanese food that has been consumed for centuries. It is a jelly-like substance made from the konjac plant’s corm (an underground plant stem). Konnyaku is low in calories and rich in fiber, making it a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine. It has a unique texture and…
  • An enactment of Spring – Recap of the Senbonzakura Exhibition
    Previously, we posted about the Senbonzakura Art Exhibition which took place in Harbourfront Centre, Singapore and lasted for one month from the end of September to the end of October. Having visited it and witnessed it with our own eyes, we can give you an honest verdict now. Firstly, this event is based on one…
  • We asked a generative AI what would Japan be like in the next 30 years
    So we decided to ask one of the many generative AI software out there to paint a picture of what Japan might look like in the next 30 years.
  • Wabi-sabi: The beauty of simple, natural imperfections
    While researching for my Japan itinerary sometime back, I came across the concept of wabi-sabi for the first time and its simple philosophy captivated me. Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic concept that emphasises the beauty of imperfection, transience, and the natural cycle of growth and decay. You see, wabi-sabi is life itself. Wabi-sabi is often…
  • Spoiler-free Anime Review: The Rising of the Shield Hero (盾の勇者の成り上がり)
    When you roll a high fantasy + isekai + harem together into an anime melting pot, you get The Rising of the Shield Hero. However, after watching season 1, we love how the anime adaptation of the popular light novel series written by Aneko Yusagi, takes the isekai genre to a whole new level with…
  • Will AI replace human actors?
    Well, it’s here. Besides the global fascination (for some, anger) of the introduction of ChatGPT in 2022, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now starting to flex its bytes in its latest bid to replace human actors in advertisements. Featuring an AI-generated actress, the ad by Japanese beverage company Ito En Ltd. “Oi Ocha catechin green tea”…
  • Hatsune Miku Art Exhibition in Singapore? Take my money!
    You aren’t a true Volcaoid fan without remembering the Senbonzakura feature when it was first released in 2011. With the rapid sets of dance moves, the high energy and the catchy beats, the hype was at its peak when countless people started choreographing those dance moves! As someone who’s been enchanted by Hatsune Miku’s concerts…
  • Get Ready for One Piece’s live adaptation on Netflix (31 August 2023)
    Finally, it’s here! Join the Straw Hats on a grand adventure in One Piece’s live-action adaptation of the popular manga that has wowed both fans and newcomers alike since its inception in 1997! Monkey D. Luffy is played by Iñaki Godoy, Roronoa Zoro by Mackenyu, Nami by Emily Rudd – check out the rest of…
  • Embrace Simplicity and Nature: Creating a Japandi-Style Minimalist Home
    In the realm of interior design, a captivating trend has emerged, capturing the hearts of homeowners and design enthusiasts around the globe – Japandi. Combining the best of both worlds, Japandi is a fusion of “Japanese” and “Scandinavian”. Japandi presents a minimalist aesthetic that embodies harmony, simplicity, and a deep connection with nature. With its…
  • More than a hostel, it hosts beauty for the soul
    Finding beautiful things in Japan is nothing but a walk in the park, but uncovering hidden gems that create everlasting memories takes the walk to the next level. Emblem Flow Hakone which is located right next to Gora Station in, you guessed it, Hakone definitely belong to that level of exquisite beauty. I had little…
  • Traditional Taiko Drum Performance in Tokyo 2023
  • Introducing the Enchanting Totoro Wind Chime by Studio Ghibli
    Introducing the Exquisite Totoro Wind Chime, a captivating creation brought to you by Studio Ghibli and crafted by Nousaku, a prestigious casting manufacturer with over a century of experience in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture.