Few people know that manga, the Japanese version of the comic book, has quite a long history. In fact, the literary form is closer to art than some might like t
Pokemon Center Tohoku is a Pokemon specialty store located in Sendai. The store contains many Pokemon character-related goods, card games and limited edition m
To say that Dragon Ball has a 'cult following' is probably to do it an injustice. For more than thirty years now Goku and friends have captured the imaginations
The Popular Dragon Ball series is back in a yummy and also fashionable form.Sorry this time you won't be seeing Goku is his Saiyan forms but you can enjoy a nic
Power up this Halloween.
The mission of the Costume Museum is for visitors to further their understanding of costume cultures throughout the world and to deepen their appreciation of th
The Wide View Hida Train is a scenic train journey that takes you from Nagoya to Toyama.
Originally named Cafe Bar Pray, it now goes by the name of Tenshitoakuma no pray. This is a angel and demons cosplay themed bar located in Sotokanda, near the T
On our 2nd day here in Niigata, Japan, Joey (The Anime Man), Aki (akidearest) and Shiori try out some more otaku-related activities including voice acting over famous anime, drawing manga and visiting and visiting a cosplay cafe where the women dress up as men!
Specializing in character goods and cosplay costumes, this branch of GEE! Store is located in the popular Namba area of Osaka.
Story time! On a bright afternoon in Osaka my two friends, Watanabe, Hikaro and I were strolling around Shinsekai, experiencing the explosion of color surroundi
We head to Niigata Prefecture to experience all sorts of otaku themed activities with Aki (akidearest) and Joey (The Anime Man)! This is the 1st of a 2 part installment showcasing cosplaying, anime voice acting, manga drawing and many more awesome things to try in this area in Japan.
Located in Tokyo's student village of Takadanobaba, this gaming arcade is stocked with vintage gaming machines from the 1980s and 1990s.
Fan fictions turned into real life!
All anime fans have heard of Akihabara once in their life. It’s the ultimate goal to live the dream and walk down through colorful streets filled with signs of
Inevitably, when you come to Japan (or if you're living here, when you have family or friends visit), they'll want a taste of quirky Japan to some degree. I don
Wall full of nostalgiaWhen I was a kid, a type of model race car zoomed into the market and won over the hearts of kids and adults alike. Tamiya, long known a
I'm here today to present to you one of my favourite things to buy in Japan. I'm not much of a shopper so I don't often buy gifts or souvenirs, however I do mak
Accessible by Shimokitazawa Station, this shop sells American vintage toys. The items sold at the shop are handpicked personally by the shops's owner, who trave
Warehouse Kawasaki is a game center modeled after Hong Kong's Kowloon Walled City.
If you have any kind of interest in anime, 'Otarabo' is a must visit bar located in the center of Oita City. The impressive amount of figures, magazines and DVDs to keep you entertained is only surpassed by the selection of cocktails on offer!
Tollywood is a theatre for those who love short films, or simply can’t sit through a full length feature without falling asleep. Some of the best and most meaningful stories can be shorts, so don’t be quick to dismiss it! This is a popular place for the young local movie buffs in the bohemian-esque district of Shimokitazawa. Images from Sabukaru Tokyo
Mandarake is a chain of stores specialising in manga and anime products. There are a few shops in Tokyo (Nakano being the main one) with a few others dotted acr
This museum located in Ishinomaki City features the artworks of manga artist and author Shotaro Ishinomori. Manga and anime fans of the Sci-Fi genre may know s
Japan’s game centers (arcades) are the best of the best: an endless selection of games, great prizes, and a super fun time! I will say though that for some, the
Sega VR located in Akihabara is another good find that features a first person shooter alien game called Mortal Blitz which gives you 30 minutes of in-game action. Their 2 versus 2 game links the player up using cables and their other games like Western Cowboy and Tiger Knight, requires the player to sit on the saddles in a shooter game. Their games offer variety and a fun arcade like experience. Keep in mind that you need to purchase each game that you play separately.
Heading to Hyogo prefecture? Well make sure to make a pit stop at Hello Kitty Smile, a complex featuring fine dining restaurants to art galleries and more, all Hello Kitty themed 😻
Giving you an exclusive sneak peek into the Pokemon Cafe from yours truly Sharmander and Akidearest!
Who said it was just for kids? Japan's largest toy trade show going on this weekend at the Tokyo Big Sight 💁🏻♀️
The quirkest chain store selling character goods, sweets, clothing and more. A definite must place to check out for pop culture fans.
The 2-day extravaganza that brings artists and art enthusiasts together at the Tokyo Big Sight.
The number one maid cafe on TripAdvisor's popularity ranking, a sneak peek into the futuristic cyberpunk maid cafe in Akihabara, Tokyo.
Japan is chock-full of idol groups that have made it big. To fans, they are faraway and untouchable. But what if you could have a more sincere and close-up expe
Located opposite the Osaka Securities Exchange and facing Nakanoshima Park, this Western-style two-storey building dates back to 1912. Declared a Registered Tan
This theme bakery and cafe is dedicated to the popular Scandinavian comic and cartoon "The Moomins".
This cafe and toy store specializes in Peanuts-themed foods and goods. Snoopy is a very iconic character in Japan and has inspired many of the dishes and drinks