Valiant, a Hokkaido dog, was rescued from a temple in Gifu Prefecture along with a pack of others.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / ADOPT ME!
Jun 19, 2025
Valiant is a playful, princely Hokkaido dog
Hesitant though he may be, this handsome 9-year-old has a heart of gold.
Tokyo Rainbow Pride is wrapping up for the year, but a slew of events in cities all over the country, from Hokkaido to Kyushu, lies in store in the second half of 2025.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives
Jun 12, 2025
The persistence of Pride: LGBTQ+ events in Tokyo and beyond
Pride isn’t just a one-off weekend — a slate of activities and programs in support of the queer community continues in full force, from Hokkaido to Kyushu.
Treacle is a spry 14-year-old who’s been called “big, bold and beautiful” by the staff at ARK.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / ADOPT ME!
Jun 12, 2025
Cool cat Treacle is a master of relaxation
A “big, bold and beautiful” cat, Treacle loves food and naps and is still keeping spry at age 14.
Since moving to Tokyo from New York City in 2014, Hiraku Morilla has been promoting Keith Haring’s legacy in his professional life and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Jun 6, 2025
Hiraku Morilla: ‘Pride means respect for those who walked so we could run’
The New York-raised director of the Nakamura Keith Haring Collection reflects on his queer, multiracial identity and LGBTQ+ rights in Japan.
American Robert Jefferson runs a YouTube channel called The Kamakura Gardener that invites viewers to enjoy the pleasures of gardening, cooking and slow living.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives
Jun 2, 2025
‘A garden is a grand teacher’: The Kamakura Gardener nurtures via YouTube
Veteran broadcaster Robert Jefferson has built up a following through his comforting video content about gardening, cooking and living in Kamakura.
Mateusz Urbanowicz’s recent book “Imaginary Storefronts” collects his illustrations of the mundane Japanese street scenes that have given him immense inspiration.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
May 31, 2025
Mateusz Urbanowicz: ‘Miyazaki inspired me to put the audience first’
The Polish artist and animator talks about how he came to Japan and the inspiration he draws from ordinary streets and storefronts.
Charisma was overweight when she arrived at ARK, but has slimmed down to 8 kilograms.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / ADOPT ME!
May 29, 2025
This charming Shiba enjoys life’s simple pleasures
Charisma loves soft toys, snoozing in her favorite spot and getting a nice massage.

Longform

Mount Fuji is considered one of Japan's most iconic symbols and is a major draw for tourists. It's still a mountain, though, and potential hikers need to properly prepare for any climb.
What it takes to save lives on Mount Fuji