Spoon & Tamago

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The Machu Picchu of Japan—and Other Sites that Compare Themselves to World-Famous Destinations

June 1, 2025 / Johnny / Comments Off

See the World Without Ever Leaving Japan

There are several remote corners of Japan that have been comparing themselves to world-famous tourist destinations. Whether it’s out of pride, a bid to attract tourists, or just a good sense of humor, their reasons vary. But that’s not to say their intentions are misguided. Each site has various similarities and resemblances, along with their own character that you won’t find elsewhere. From the Amalfi Coast of Japan to the Machu Picchu of Japan, here are all the places to see the world, without ever leaving Japan.

Artist Yukiko Suto Finds Beauty in Japanese Residential Neighborhoods

June 1, 2025 / Johnny / Comments Off

“Garden of a youth hostel – Katsunuma” (2024). Pencil and watercolor on paper mounted on panel

Wielding just pencils and watercolors, and an eye for the small things in life, artist Yukiko Suto traverses Japan, capturing the nostalgia and beauty of residential neighborhoods. Old homes, parking lots, roadside gardens, and weeds: these common elements of Japan are easily overlook. But for Suto, they are all evidence of some stranger’s labor and joy, and thus worth capturing, which she does in stunning detail.

For the Next Month, Osaka will Transform into a Public Art Museum

May 24, 2025 / Johnny / Comments Off

As the Osaka Expo draws the world’s attention to Osaka, the city is poised to add an additional attraction. Between May 28 and June 24, Osaka Art & Design 2025 (OAD2025) will run parallel to the Expo, transforming the city’s urban space into a public art museum.

The event, which brings together local Japanese shops and companies, sees more than 60 venues across the city’s neighborhoods host more than 600 creators and brands from Japan and around the world. You can browse the full guide on their website but below are a few of our highlights!

This is the Time of Year Bamboo Shoots Grow, Sometimes Wreaking Havoc

May 15, 2025 / Johnny / Comments Off

a triptych by Toyokuni Utagawa depicting an excursion to gather bamboo shoots (early 1800s)

According to Japan’s ancient calendar of 72 microseasons, right now is microseason 21: the time of year when “Bamboo Shoots Sprout.” Known as takenoko in Japan, these voracious plants have numerous uses in Japan, both as building materials but also edible vegetables. They can be store-bought but in ancient Japan they were delicacies that had to be picked and eaten right away or they would harden. The image above from the 1800s is part of a series depicting seasonal activities around the year. This one, from May, is a beautiful triptych that depicts noblewomen out on an excursion to gather bamboo shoots.

However, their incredible vitality and speed at which they grow—sometimes as much as 1 ft per day—can also wreak unexpected havoc on homes, particularly in the countryside.

This Wrapping Paper Turns All Your Presents into Bread

May 5, 2025 / Johnny / Comments Off

At first glance, these wrapped objects seem like freshly baked loaves straight from the bakery. With toasty brown hues, signature flour dusting, and even hand-scored patterns mimicking artisanal baguettes, this genius wrapping paper turns all your gifts into bread.

Kodansha Launches ‘Manga Manners’ to Educate Visitors on Japanese Etiquette

April 27, 2025 / Johnny / Comments Off

Kodansha, one of Japan’s leading manga publishers, has launched an innovative campaign titled “MANGA MANNERS” to educate visitors about Japanese etiquette through beloved manga characters. Following the success of a similar initiative at Narita Airport in 2024, this new campaign is prominently featured at major Tokaido Shinkansen stations, including Tokyo, Shinagawa, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Shin-Osaka, from April 24 to June 30, 2025.

Goldwin Set to Open Expansive Nature Park in Toyama in 2027

April 26, 2025 / Johnny / Comments Off

Goldwin, the Japanese outdoor apparel company, has unveiled plans for an ambitious new project: the Play Earth Park Naturing Forest. Set to open in the summer of 2027, this expansive nature-themed facility will be located in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, the birthplace of Goldwin. Spanning approximately 100 acres, the park aims to offer immersive experiences that connect visitors with nature, aligning with Goldwin’s “PLAY EARTH 2030” vision.

Roof That Connects Life and Nature: ROOF HOUSE by Tamada & Wakimoto Architects

April 26, 2025 / Johnny / Comments Off

all photos by Kenta Hasegawa courtesy Tamada & Wakimoto Architects

Set against the soft backdrop of Tochigi’s rural landscapes, ROOF HOUSE by Tamada & Wakimoto Architects reimagines how a home can engage with its environment. Rather than enclosing life within walls, this project opens it outward.

The Ultra-Narrow Rakuragu Hotel Offers a Stylish Stay in Central Tokyo

March 29, 2025 / Johnny / Comments Off

This 9-story Rakuragu hotel rises from an ultra-narrow site in the Nihonbashi district of Tokyo. If it’s nightlife you’re in search of, this hotel may not be right for you but if you’re looking for understated stylishness and rare outdoor space, this is a gem of a hotel. With just 14 rooms, its design prioritizes outdoor space through the arrangement of balconies that face different directions, capitalizing on the gaps between the neighboring buildings.

Tomoko Kubo is Embroidering the Entire Hiragana Lettering System

March 27, 2025 / Johnny / Comments Off

Illustrator and embroidery artist Tomoko Kubo has embarked on an epic linguistic journey of embroidering all 46 characters in the hiragana lettering system. Each piece is carefully designed so that within each character are individually embroidered images that depict foods, animals and activities that begin with that character. Not only are they visually beautiful but are also fun ways for beginners of the Japanese language to identify and learn words!