[Feature] "ULTRA JAPAN 2016" A pioneering, modern youth culture movement that continues to grow and evolve!

The annual urban dance music festival "ULTRA JAPAN," which asianbeat has been reporting on for the last two years, is back in town. Once again we will be doing a feature on this amazing event, as well as its expanding links with the fashion world.

feature | Japan｜ Music｜ Event Reports｜ sightseeing｜ Trends｜ Club music｜

2016.10.12

Hakata Gion Yamakasa 2016 "Kazariyama / Kakiyama" Photo Report

"Hakata Gion Yamakasa" is a traditional festival that has almost come to represent Fukuoka as a whole. In our photo-report, we will be introducing "Kazariyama," as well as "Kakiyama", which are actually carried around the streets of Hakata, at the "Oiyama!"

EVENT SNAPS | Japan｜ Fukuoka｜ Manga｜ Anime｜ Event Reports｜ sightseeing｜ Trends｜

2016.07.14

A first for Kyushu! An exchange center for both overseas tourists and locals has been set up in Tenjin!

With Canal City Hakata's LAOX leading from the front, the number of shops targeting overseas tourists is continuing to grow! And that's why JTB has set up a community center that aims to facilitate exchange between overseas tourists and local citizens!

Culture Watch (Latest News & Info) | Japan｜ Fukuoka｜ Trends｜ Hot Spot｜

2016.06.22

[Report from Kimito in Shanghai] How's it different from what you find in Japan? One of Shanghai's most popular flea markets.

Inside Shanghai’s famous commercial district, right in the heart of Xintiandi, is a real treat for shopping fans. It is open every weekend and goes by the name of “The Dreams Flea Market.” You'll find all kinds of goods inside, such as clothes, accessories, cosmetics, ceramics, hats and even Chinese tea.

Report from Kimito in Shanghai | China｜ Shanghai｜ INTERVIEW / SERIALS｜ Fashion｜ Trends｜

2016.05.23

[Feature] FACo2016

"Fukuoka Asia Collection (FACo) 2016" marked the 8th time that this fantastic event has been held. Check-out our "After Report" to experience all the excitement from the day for yourself!

Fukuoka Asia Collection (FACo) | Japan｜ China｜ Thailand ｜ Taiwan｜ Vietnam｜ Fukuoka｜ Fashion｜ Event Reports｜ Talent/Idol｜ Trends｜

2016.05.06

Kawaii Ambassadors participated in FACo and paid a visit to the Fukuoka Prefectural Office!

"asianbeat·FACo Kawaii Ambassadors," who were selected from various regions across Asia, particpated in the 8th annual "Fukuoka Asia Collection (FACo) 2016."

Culture Watch (Latest News & Info) | Japan｜ China｜ Thailand ｜ Taiwan｜ Vietnam｜ Fukuoka｜ Fashion｜ Event Reports｜ Talent/Idol｜ Trends｜

2016.03.23

"BAKE CHEESE TART," the cheesecake specialists, have finally opened a store in the Tenjin Chikagai, Fukuoka!

"BAKE CHEESE TART," the cheesecake specialists, have finally opened a store in Fukuoka! Based in the Tenjin Chikagai (Underground Shopping Mall), asianbeat went along to try it out!

Culture Watch (Latest News & Info) | Fukuoka｜ Gourmet｜ Trends｜ Hot Spot｜

2015.11.18

Special Feature: ULTRA JAPAN 2015! A New Standard of Youth Culture, Continuing to Sweep Across the Globe!

This year saw the return of the dance, music festival "ULTRA" to the shores of Japan! asianbeat was there again to cover the event and report on ULTRA JAPAN, a festival that is really playing a leading role in the scene!

feature | Japan｜ Music｜ Event Reports｜ sightseeing｜ Trends｜ Club music｜

2015.11.13

"Kendama Taisou (Exercises)," an original video produced by the Kendama Association and BEAMS!

Featuring RIP SLYME's track "Peace" and an array of famous guest stars, the enduring appeal of kendama is visible for all to see in this newly released promotional video!

Culture Watch (Latest News & Info) | Japan｜ Fashion｜ Talent/Idol｜ Trends｜ J-POP｜ videos｜

2015.09.28

[Report from Kimito in Shanghai] Issey Miyake's "BAOBAO bag" is still all the rage in China!

Walking the streets of Shanghai, a day doesn't go by without you seeing at least one Japanese designer bag.
The "BAOBAO bag" is an item from Issey Miyake.

Report from Kimito in Shanghai | China｜ Shanghai｜ INTERVIEW / SERIALS｜ Fashion｜ Trends｜

2015.09.14

[Robin’s Hong Kong Report] Kumamon in Hong Kong is proving popular as ever!!

Until just a few years ago there was not many people in Hong Kong who knew the name "Kumamon," but these days its seems that wherever you go in Hong Kong you are likely to see the famous Japanese mascot! And Kumamon's appearance in Hong Kong convenience stores shows just how popular this character has become!

Robin’s Hong Kong Report | Hong Kong｜ INTERVIEW / SERIALS｜ sightseeing｜ Trends｜ Hot Spot｜ Collaboration items｜

2015.08.14

#26 From Maid Café’s to Idol Fanatics – Mexicans Love Japan

Around mid-April 2015, my work in cultural diplomacy took me to Mexico. My activities this time around were as the Executive Office Director of the International Otaku Expo Association (IOEA) that Ambassador Akira Yamada and the good people at the Embassy of Japan in Mexico and I helped form.

Pop Culture Chronicles ～ On the Trail of Japanese Icons Around the World ～ | Japan｜ Other Areas｜ INTERVIEW / SERIALS｜ Event Reports｜ Trends｜ Hot Spot｜ Pop Culture Observations｜

2015.05.27

[Feature] FACo2015

This year saw the 7th "Fukuoka Asia Collection (FACo)" take place. This year's event again closed on a real high note, so check out our FACo "AFTER REPORT."

Fukuoka Asia Collection (FACo) | Japan｜ China｜ Thailand ｜ Taiwan｜ Vietnam｜ Fukuoka｜ Fashion｜ Event Reports｜ Talent/Idol｜ Trends｜

2015.05.14

Kawaii Ambassadors participated in FACo and paid a visit to the Fukuoka Prefectural Office!

"asianbeat·FACo Kawaii Ambassadors," who were selected from various regions across Asia, particpated in the 7th annual "Fukuoka Asia Collection (FACo) 2015."

Culture Watch (Latest News & Info) | Japan｜ China｜ Thailand ｜ Taiwan｜ Vietnam｜ Fukuoka｜ Fashion｜ Event Reports｜ Talent/Idol｜ Trends｜

2015.04.02

[Report from Kobori in Bangkok] Healthy drinks in Thailand are now trending for girls that want to be beautiful

Girls in Bangkok are becoming more and more conscious of their health and have started to regularly intake healthy drinks. Let's go and have a look at the very industry that has catered to every girl's dream.

Kobori 's Bangkok Report | Thailand ｜ INTERVIEW / SERIALS｜ Anime｜ Trends｜ Movies｜

2015.03.25

The New "BOATHOUSE OHORI PARK" is Finally Here!

We went to the "BOATHOUSE OHORI PARK" that just opened up on February 6th in Ohori Park, which is located at the heart of Fukuoka city! Being able to eat while looking at the scenery outside on a nice day is the best!

Culture Watch (Latest News & Info) | Japan｜ Fukuoka｜ Gourmet｜ sightseeing｜ Trends｜ Hot Spot｜

2015.03.11

[Report from A.s.Kitsune in Taipei] Misako Aoki's Lolita Tea Party in Taiwan 2014

Last spring, the president of the Japanese Lolita Association, Misako Aoki published and released a book, "Lolita Fashion BOOK." In celebration of event, Misako Aoki was invited to Taiwan for a book signing.

A.s.Kitsune's Taipei Report | Japan｜ Taiwan｜ Tokyo｜ INTERVIEW / SERIALS｜ Fashion｜ Trends｜

2015.02.25

First time riding the Kyushu Shinkansen!

As of March 2011, a new Shinkansen (bullet train) line opened in Kyushu. Having heard how great it was from all the people around me, I really wanted to try it for myself and finally got the chance to do so last December!

Culture Watch (Latest News & Info) | Japan｜ Fukuoka｜ Kumamoto｜ sightseeing｜ Trends｜

2015.01.23

Fukuoka Illuminations 2014

The most exciting thing about the long winter nights is going out to see the decorative illuminations! Fukuoka prefecture has been decked in lights and the illuminative decorations that brighten up every corner of the city give it a magical atmosphere. Here, we’d like to give you a bit more information on the illuminative lights in Fukuoka along with a lot of pictures.

Etcetra SNAPS | Japan｜ Fukuoka｜ Music｜ Event Reports｜ sightseeing｜ Trends｜ Hot Spot｜ Digital Products｜

2014.12.18

Fukuoka souvenirs and my new standards!

The Ichiran souvenir instant noodle packs went on sale at the end of June and were so popular and hard to come by, but I've finally managed to get some!

Culture Watch (Latest News & Info) | Japan｜ Fukuoka｜ Gourmet｜ sightseeing｜ Trends｜

2014.11.26