Terry T

The Heisei era (1989 – 2019) was a time of daring fashion, self-expression, and rebellion in Japan. And gyaru were one of the most visible icons of this period! This vibrant youth subculture challenged traditional beauty standards and tested the boundaries of Japanese society. It was also known for its dramatic makeup, flashy outfits, and...

The 90s was a golden age for anime. This era produced many animation series and movies that are considered classics today. Some, like Dragon Ball Z and Neon Genesis Evangelion, eventually became global hits. But many other fantastic series went unnoticed by international audiences.  These fantastic shows captured the artistic feel of the decade with...

Funassyi is the unofficial mascot of Funabashi, Chiba.  Its zest for life, stunts, and rock n roll have taken the world by storm.  How did it manage to win the hearts of not only its hometown, but also close out stadiums? Read more to find out!

In Japan, mascots are everywhere. Known locally as “yuruchara”, mascots promote prefectures, cities, local government organizations, sports teams, and even businesses.