Metropolis Japan

Our latest articles

Fashionably Fukuoka

A shopaholic’s guide to the city

What To Do in Winter in Okinawa

The ultimate cure for the winter blues

Onomichi Travel Guide: Discover This Historic Port City

Once a pirate haunt, the port town of Onomichi in the Inland Sea still houses an intriguing array of temples, and a surprising number of cats and cat lovers. Stephen Mansfield goes exploring.

Exploring Aso Kumamoto

Life on the edge of the Earth

Bali Campur Cafe

A Warm Corner of Indonesia in Tokyo

Top 11 Tokyo Autumn Foliage Spots 2026

Quiet and lesser-known spots in and around Tokyo

Japan’s Autumn Foliage Guide 2026

Plus what to wear, when to go, and when to arrive

Your Weekly Horoscope Sep 11 – 18

See what the stars have in store for you this week. World-renowned astrologer Cathryn Moe discusses love, money, luck and all else in this weekly series.

Events In Tokyo This Week

MAPPA Expo 15th Anniversary: Chainsaw Man, AOT & More

Sep 16, 2026 at 10:00am ~ Dec 07, 2026 at 6:00pm

Read The Latest Issue Summer 2026

Read our latest print magazine online and browse all the locations across Tokyo and the Kanto Region where you can pick up a copy for yourself.

Events

Hamamatsu and Hatsune Miku: A “Magical Mirai 2026” Collaboration

Jul 01, 2026 at 10:00am

Sep 30, 2026 at 6:00pm

Rockin’on Sonic 2027

Jan 09, 2027 at 12:00pm

Jan 10, 2027 at 9:00pm

Tokyo Marathon 2027

Mar 07, 2027 at 9:10am

Mar 07, 2027 at 5:00pm

Tokyo International Comedy Festival 2026: 120+ Shows

Sep 17, 2026 at 12:00am

Sep 27, 2026 at 11:30pm

Interstellar LIVE

Sep 26, 2026 at 6:00pm

Sep 26, 2026 at 9:10pm

Toranomon Advertising Festival Returns for a Bigger Second Round

Oct 09, 2026 at 10:00am

Oct 17, 2026 at 7:00pm

Nenashi “MOMENT” Album Release Party 2026

Oct 11, 2026 at 4:30pm

Oct 11, 2026 at 6:30pm

A Taste for Volunteering 2026

Nov 14, 2026 at 6:00pm

Nov 14, 2026 at 10:00pm

See All Events Events This Week Events Next Week

Culture

All Time Best Japanese Fiction Books

From untouchable classics to the severely underrated

Behind the Myth: The Politics of Japan’s Island Creation Story

The eighth-century tale of the islands’ divine birth reveals five pragmatic political motives

Tsukimi: Japan’s “Forgotten” Moon Celebration

From agricultural ritual to Heian court culture to a McDonald’s burger

When Is Tokyo Fashion Week?

What to expect from Japan’s biggest fashion event

Living

Top 11 Tokyo Autumn Foliage Spots 2026

Quiet and lesser-known spots in and around Tokyo

A Guide to Solo Hiking in Japan

Three hiking regions to join Japan’s hiking community

The Fukushima Diamond Route

A cut above the rest

Silver Week 2026 in Japan: Dates, Crowds, and What to Do in Tokyo

Japan’s first full five-day Silver Week, with crowd forecasts and the best ways to spend it in Tokyo

Community

Japan Residence Permit Fees Rise From October 1, 2026: Permanent Residency Jumps to ¥200,000

More about the process, eligibility rules, and paperwork

Paid Clinical Trials in Tokyo for International Residents and Visitors

Inside Tokyo’s paid clinical research program for foreigners—compensation, eligibility and what the experience is actually like

International Summer Schools in Japan for 2026

Key dates and fun options for your little ones

Metropolis Summer Issue 2026

See what’s inside and where to pick up a copy

Japan vs. Brazil World Cup 2026: Samurai Blue Through to Round of 32 After Sweden Thriller

Daizen Maeda’s second-half goal and a string of crucial saves from Zion Suzuki sent Japan through to the knockouts, where a date with Brazil awaits

Japan World Cup 2026 Guide: Schedule, Players & Where to Watch in Tokyo

The Samurai Blue are back for their eighth consecutive World Cup—here’s how to follow every match from Tokyo

Travel

Fashionably Fukuoka

A shopaholic’s guide to the city

What To Do in Winter in Okinawa

The ultimate cure for the winter blues

Onomichi Travel Guide: Discover This Historic Port City

Once a pirate haunt, the port town of Onomichi in the Inland Sea still houses an intriguing array of temples, and a surprising number of cats and cat lovers. Stephen Mansfield goes exploring.