Japan Archives - TheSmartLocal Japan - Travel, Lifestyle, Culture & Language Guide

700-year-old Japanese Sword Discovered In Australia, 8,000km Away From Home

Imagine an ancient Japanese sword - a national treasure at that - making its way from Japan all the way to Melbourne, Australia.

The Wakayama Tama Densha Train Line in Japan has a very special member of staff - their very own cat train station master, Tama!

In the latest update of the already strict Japanese school rules, ponytails have now been banned from school grounds. What's next?

Alcoholic sake butter could change the way we eat butter - simply pop a slice into your mouth instead of spreading it on toast.

Hanami season is upon us. Here's a helpful cherry blossom viewing guide to tell you everything you need to know about the national pastime.

Love durian? Not as much as this guy. This Japanese minister left the cabinet to become a cheerleader for the King of Fruits - durian.

Valentine's Day chocolate in Japan is famously depicted in their various anime and dramas, but did you know that there are different types?

Being a YouTube streamer isn't always recognised as an appropriate job, but this Japanese firefighter had to find out the hard way.

Kairakuen garden’s makeover by teamLab allows you to interact and connect with nature in the form of stunning illuminations.

Who doesn't like fat little pandas? The people of Japan can now visit the two twin baby pandas born at the Tokyo Ueno Zoological Gardens.