Art that reflects this world is complex,” the artist tells Observer. “But there are moments that feel as simple as the play I ...

Fans of all things cute have a new place to explore this holiday season. Kawaii Kingdom has officially opened its pop-up shop at Market City Shopping Center, offering shoppers an immersive world of ...

Why are we asking for donations? Why are we asking for donations? This site is free thanks to our community of supporters. Voluntary donations from readers like you keep our news accessible for ...

The legendary Kawaii Monster Café, which sadly closed in 2021 during the global pandemic, is making its big return to Harajuku by the end of the year – and it promises to be even wilder than before.

Hi friends! Do you like stargazing? 🌃🌠 That's just what Sammy was doing that night when he suddenly felt sorry for a little start. He thought it was so lonely and sad. He started wondering whether ...

Born from the trauma of World War II, this bow-wearing cartoon icon became a powerful tool for diplomacy, reinvention, and cultural soft power. Dressed in a kimono, Hello Kitty performs a classical ...

Convenience stores, a very American concept for people on the go, were first introduced in Japan in the 1970s. Today, they’re an intrinsic part of life throughout the country – even more so than in ...

Misa Kimura was still a student from Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture, when she visited Tokyo’s Harajuku neighborhood for the first time. It felt like stepping into a dream. “Every kind of clothing or ...

Chiikawa, a contraction of the Japanese phrase nanka chiisakute kawaii yatsu, which means something like “so small and cute,” refers to the adorable animal characters that appear in a manga series ...

From Hello Kitty to Pikachu, the country changed what the world considers adorable. But do these characters represent joy — or rage? By Ligaya Mishan Artwork by Hiroshi YoshiiKimiaki Yaegashi and ...

Plant-based paper has been used for thousands of years, but exactly how is it created from trees? When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement. A front light and color display are just two of the ways this pretty note-taking device puts luxury ...