

Revealing Japan’s game culture and innovative history “Game Chronicle” focuses on the complex world of Japanese games — which draws fans into a whirlwind of excitement and innovation. In this feature, we cover four eras of Japanese games (1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s) and 100 topics — including hardware and software evolution, arcade games, latest e-sports, and Japan’s longtime favorite traditional games.
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Japanese craftsmanship is a way of life for artisans who continue faithfully making their traditional crafts while devoting themselves to enhancing their skills. We at ANA focus this year’s “Is Japan Cool?” project Japanese artisans with expert command of unusual techniques inherited from ancient times — now rare intoday’s world. Feature articles spotlight the spirit oftradition that dwells in these often unknown artisans who support Japanese people’s lives and cultures with the works they make by hand. The project team wishes to reach as many people as possible and share the true stories of these artisans and their treasured craft legacies.
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DOU is the way of life that comes close to reaching the essence of existence in pursuit of one’s own field. This time, we at ANA focus on introducing the ways of Japanese traditional martial arts and performing/fine arts legacies accumulated over long eras and inherited by many artists from ancient times to the present. We want to help pass along these intangible cultural assets to new generations in a “tangible” manner.
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You’ll find matsuri all over Japan, throughout the four seasons. Each matsuri is unique — in form, formality, faith, fun, and local culture. Some are solemn religious rituals; others test bravery, celebrate community, share happiness. Despite differences, matsuri are alike in one way. All reflect Japanese tradition, handed down over generations.
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The virtual IJC Museum in the Cloud allows visitors like you to enjoy modern artworks
by Japan’s representative artists.
You can view works from all directions with 360° freedom and get so close
that you can see the subtlest details and even feel the presence of the artists. SEE ALL
by Japan’s representative artists.
You can view works from all directions with 360° freedom and get so close
that you can see the subtlest details and even feel the presence of the artists. SEE ALL


Japan’s richly diverse food culture was born and nurtured in the clear distinctions of the four seasons.
The blessings of Japanese natural beauty are reflected in washoku — Japanese cuisine —
featuring seasonally varied food ingredients.
Here we focus on truly cool facets of washoku,
which minimizes excess and takes full advantage of the essential taste of each ingredient. SEE ALL
The blessings of Japanese natural beauty are reflected in washoku — Japanese cuisine —
featuring seasonally varied food ingredients.
Here we focus on truly cool facets of washoku,
which minimizes excess and takes full advantage of the essential taste of each ingredient. SEE ALL


ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS + ISETAN MITSUKOSHI
Shopping can be one of the coolest, most enjoyable events of a trip to Japan.Among many stores, Japan’s department stores are filled with cultural entertainment,
where you’ll find intriguing products, seasonal goods/foods, and omotenashi (Japanese hospitality).
This feature shares attractions at the popular Mitsukoshi Isetan department store. SEE ALL


Japanese anime, manga and games show Japanese “strength to dream” to the world.
Imaginative visions are transformed into reality through unique Japanese creativity and craftsmanship.
Now, some of these dreams are spreading around the globe, shaping culture and inspiring creative imagination worldwide. SEE ALL
Imaginative visions are transformed into reality through unique Japanese creativity and craftsmanship.
Now, some of these dreams are spreading around the globe, shaping culture and inspiring creative imagination worldwide. SEE ALL


Ramen is undoubtedly one of Japan’s national foods, and eventually everyone discovers his or her very own favorite.
Unlike other types of Japanese noodles, ramen comes in myriad variations,
the ultimate flavor of each decided by the master of the shop in which it is served.
Recently, local specialty ramen dishes are finding new fans outside their regions of origin. SEE ALL
Unlike other types of Japanese noodles, ramen comes in myriad variations,
the ultimate flavor of each decided by the master of the shop in which it is served.
Recently, local specialty ramen dishes are finding new fans outside their regions of origin. SEE ALL


Kyoto is a civic leader in awareness of Japanese traditions.
For this reason, the city of Kyoto preserves much of Japan’s ancient cultural heritage,
historical architecture, natural scenic beauty, etc.Now, these traditions are creating a modern renaissance in culture and craftsmanship that is a new highlight of Kyoto. SEE ALL
For this reason, the city of Kyoto preserves much of Japan’s ancient cultural heritage,
historical architecture, natural scenic beauty, etc.Now, these traditions are creating a modern renaissance in culture and craftsmanship that is a new highlight of Kyoto. SEE ALL


The word means something beyond its original sense of “cute” or “pretty.”
It signifies anything beautiful, cool, pop, and even weird that attracts young women.
By now, this term is an accepted lingua franca among girls worldwide.
In fact, it has become an indispensable expression, regardless of age or nationality. SEE ALL
It signifies anything beautiful, cool, pop, and even weird that attracts young women.
By now, this term is an accepted lingua franca among girls worldwide.
In fact, it has become an indispensable expression, regardless of age or nationality. SEE ALL


Short for “costume play,” it’s a hobby for those who enjoy wearing costumes of various types of characters.
Cosplay is expanding into different genres including manga, anime,games, vocaloids, samurai drama, etc.
Japan’s cosplay festivities attract fans from many countries, fostering international friendship and unity. SEE ALL
Cosplay is expanding into different genres including manga, anime,games, vocaloids, samurai drama, etc.
Japan’s cosplay festivities attract fans from many countries, fostering international friendship and unity. SEE ALL


Japan’s popular sightseeing-resort area, with a mild climate, beautiful ocean, and gorgeous natural scenery.
Its clothing, architecture, music, etc., reflect a multicultural heritage different from the rest of Japan.
As time seems to pass a little slower in Okinawa, visiting this area is one of the best-kept secrets for international travelers. SEE ALL
Its clothing, architecture, music, etc., reflect a multicultural heritage different from the rest of Japan.
As time seems to pass a little slower in Okinawa, visiting this area is one of the best-kept secrets for international travelers. SEE ALL


Japan’s capital, a megacity with the world’s highest population density.
It unites many different scenes ― remnants of Edo (old Tokyo) in Asakusa,
manga and anime subcultures in Akihabara, a huge entertainment district in Shinjuku, etc.
Tokyo is where cultures, people, foods, and amusements all come together. SEE ALL
It unites many different scenes ― remnants of Edo (old Tokyo) in Asakusa,
manga and anime subcultures in Akihabara, a huge entertainment district in Shinjuku, etc.
Tokyo is where cultures, people, foods, and amusements all come together. SEE ALL


Is Japan cool? See for yourself, starting here with content that covers many cool aspects of Japan today.
You’ll find a variety of intriguing features about Mt. Fuji, maid cafés, high-tech toilets, Japanese hospitality,
and much more, all from a wide range of locations and genres.
It’s a quick overview of Japan’s multifaceted charms. SEE ALL
You’ll find a variety of intriguing features about Mt. Fuji, maid cafés, high-tech toilets, Japanese hospitality,
and much more, all from a wide range of locations and genres.
It’s a quick overview of Japan’s multifaceted charms. SEE ALL