Kevin Kobayashi

A brief history of ‘osechi ryōri,' Japan's edible year-end tradition

In addition to wordplay, color and shape often determine the reason why certain foods are part of Japan’s New Year holiday menu.

Anime in the Air: Fly with Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer manga series has sold over 150 million copies in its first 23 volumes.

Japanese Skaters Grind to Global Glory

At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Japan won 5 out of 12 medals in men's and women's skateboarding events.

Tsukemen vs. Ramen

Japan has somewhere between 23,000 and 32,000 ramen shops

How to Save Your Seat in Japan... with Your Wallet

Japan has just 327 thefts per 100,000 people.

In the Mecca of Mollusks

Japan exports over $800 million of Mollusks annually – scallops, octopus, oysters, and more.

Bent on Bento Boxes

Each year, five billion Bento Box lunches are made at home in Japan.

Eat to 80% Full... Live to 80 Years Old

Average life expectancy in Okinawa, Japan is 80 for men and 87 for women.

My Family is Adopting My Husband

98% of all adoptions in Japan are of adult males in their 20s.

Land of the Rising Emoji

The first emojis – a set of 176 images – were created in Japan.

Girlfriends for Hire

For ¥ 13,000 you can rent a girlfriend for two hours.

Basashi is... HORSE MEAT Sashimi

Japan imported $42 million of horse meat in 2022.