EXPLORE JAPAN

Everyday bicycles parked in a Japanese neighborhood

What Is a Mama-chari? Japan’s Everyday Bicycle

With a basket, practical frame and unmistakably everyday purpose, the mama-chari is one of the most familiar bicycles in Japan — and a small window into how people move through...

What Is a Mama-chari? Japan’s Everyday Bicycle

With a basket, practical frame and unmistakably everyday purpose, the mama-chari is one of the most familiar bicycles in Japan — and a small window into how people move through...

Fresh fruit and vegetables displayed at a local market in Sapporo, Japan

What Is a Shotengai? Inside Japan’s Local Shopp...

What does “shotengai” mean? Step inside Japan’s local shopping streets and discover the small shops, everyday objects and neighborhood life found beyond the major shopping districts.

What Is a Shotengai? Inside Japan’s Local Shopp...

What does “shotengai” mean? Step inside Japan’s local shopping streets and discover the small shops, everyday objects and neighborhood life found beyond the major shopping districts.

Onigiri, bento and ready-made meals inside a Japanese convenience store

Why Japanese Convenience Stores Are More Than J...

Why does the Japanese convenience store feel different? Look beyond the famous snacks and discover the small details that make the konbini part of everyday life in Japan.

Why Japanese Convenience Stores Are More Than J...

Why does the Japanese convenience store feel different? Look beyond the famous snacks and discover the small details that make the konbini part of everyday life in Japan.

Everyday household and pet items inside a Japanese 100-yen store

Why Japanese People Call 100-Yen Stores “Hyakkin”

Why is a 100-yen store called “hyakkin” in everyday Japanese? A small piece of real Japanese — and a glimpse into everyday life in Japan.

Why Japanese People Call 100-Yen Stores “Hyakkin”

Why is a 100-yen store called “hyakkin” in everyday Japanese? A small piece of real Japanese — and a glimpse into everyday life in Japan.