National Jan 9, 2022
Tokyo restaurant hostage-taker tried to copy train attacks, police say
The suspect, Akito Araki, was arrested in the early hours of Sunday after holding the manager of a Tokyo restaurant hostage.
Style & Design Oct 31, 2021
Lifting the lid on Shibuya’s designer toilets
by Florentyna Leow
The Tokyo Toilet Project has received considerable media coverage for its upscale public facilities. But how do these stylish porcelain thrones actually stack up?
National / Media | Japan Pulse Oct 29, 2021
Shibuya could be the ideal first stop in a new virtual world
by Spencer Cohen
Shibuya Ward is once again putting on a virtual Halloween. However, the municipality's experiments in the digital sphere could lead to something more interesting than ghosts and pumpkins.
National Aug 31, 2021
Tokyo eyes online lottery system for walk-in youth vaccination site
Concerns are growing that crowds around the site could create a new high-risk environment for the spread of the virus.
National Aug 27, 2021
Shibuya youth vaccine site overwhelmed on opening day
by Ryusei Takahashi
With Tokyo officials underestimating demand for shots, all the available slots were filled hours before registration was supposed to begin.
Food & Drink | TOKYO FOOD FILE May 1, 2021
This laid-back tea specialist has flown under Tokyo’s radar — until now
by Robbie Swinnerton
The latest state of emergency in the capital means it’s more important than ever to stay safe, which means outdoor dining. Cue the calm, secluded Sakuu.
Business Mar 19, 2021
Japanese businesses face a future Olympics without overseas visitors
by Daniel Leussink and Mayu Yoshida
In the years leading up to the games, developers have poured hundreds of billions of yen into shopping and dining complexes to serve an influx of overseas visitors.
Lifestyle Dec 5, 2020
Spaces for living: How Tokyo’s urban landscape deals with change
by Russell Thomas
Exploring the city’s constant flux — and the cost to its heritage.
Art Nov 14, 2020
Art or vandalism? Japan tries to find the right balance with street graffiti.
by Andrew McKirdy
Tokyo looks to find the right balance between encouraging creative expression and protecting buildings from vandalism.
National Nov 1, 2020
Photo essay: This is Halloween ... in Tokyo 2020
by Ryusei Takahashi
Despite officials’ pleas to stay home, crowds of revelers — with and without masks — converge for a costume street party in Shibuya.
National Oct 22, 2020
Halloween revelry in Japan to take new forms during pandemic
Shibuya has been rendered in a virtual form to allow people to show up as costumed avatars for the night.
Style & Design Aug 20, 2020
Tokyo now has transparent public toilets. Let us explain.
by Tiffany May
Public toilets around the globe have a reputation for being dirty and dangerous. Tokyo recently unveiled new restrooms in public parks that aim to address those concerns.