Aya Sato, Author at Tokyo Weekender

The Fairy Tales That Inspired Ghibli Films

Aya Sato — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 17:30:11 +0000

Fantasy stories are created from reinvention. When Walt Disney Animation Studios set out on its endeavor to create the first full-length animated feature film, it decided to retell the classic story of Snow White. The fairy tale of Snow White, first published in 1812 in a collection of the Brothers Grimm stories, is actually quite […]

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Hatsune Miku Gets Her Own Train Station

Aya Sato — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 07:55:10 +0000

In preparation for Hatsune Miku’s “Magical Mirai 2024” concert tour, Mikunigaoka Station in Fukuoka is being transformed into Hatsune-mikunigaoka Station. Nishitetsu Group’s Tenjin Omuta Line is collaborating with Hatsune Miku and her fellow Vocaloid friends. The campaign, titled “39 Tenjin Trip,” has exclusive tickets, new train and bus designs, merchandise, hotel rooms and a stamp […]

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Japan’s Scenic Trains: Your Ticket to Stunning Views and Relaxing Travel

Aya Sato — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 07:21:15 +0000

There are so many different neighborhoods and prefectures to explore across Japan, each with their own specialty foods, landmarks, flora, communities and cultures. While the Shinkansen or an airplane will make your commute faster, you might miss out on some stunning scenery along the way. Riding Japan’s sightseeing trains makes the journey to your destination […]

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Studio Ghibli-Inspired Things To Do in Kichijoji

Aya Sato — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 02:43:03 +0000

Seeing anime and movie locations in real life is a fun and exciting way to explore different neighborhoods, as artists really do include details that match real-life locations. Recognizing such details makes it feel as though you’ve stepped into the animated world. The Kichijoji and Mitaka neighborhood, just 20 minutes from the actual Studio Ghibli […]

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Everything You Need to Know About the Pokémon Stamp Rally

Aya Sato — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:27:21 +0000

The 2024 Pokemon stamp rally has just started in collaboration with JR East, and will be going on until September 1. All around Tokyo Station children and parents are scrambling to get their Captain Pikachu stamps. You might also have caught the excitement during last year’s Pokemon stamp rally which celebrated the Pokemon World Championships […]

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Shojo Anime, Y2K Fashion and the Comeback of Dress Over Pants

Aya Sato — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 04:54:51 +0000

If you’ve been on anime TikTok recently, you might have scrolled through some users who are recreating outfits from their favorite shojo anime and manga heroines from the 2000s. Shojo refers to the genre that typically targets adolescent girls and young adult women with its common tropes and narrative themes of romance, cute aesthetics, school […]

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Ultimate Guide to Café-Hopping in Tokyo: Best Spots for Coffee, Tea and Ice Cream

Aya Sato — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 02:00:25 +0000

Tokyo is famous for its bustling café culture. From traditional tea houses to trendy, aesthetic coffee shops and eccentric hyper-kawaii themed cafés, there are endless options to choose from for an afternoon pick-me-up. And if your sweet tooth is calling, many of these cafés offer sweets and desserts that perfectly pair with your coffee and […]

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The Best Home Decor and Interior Goods Stores in Tokyo

Aya Sato — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 02:00:21 +0000

Japan has a long history of handcrafted art and traditional skills that have been passed down through generations of artisans. Incorporating these colors, textures, smells and ideas can bring a whole new sensation to your environment, adding a splash of Japanese culture. Whether you have just moved into a new home or you’re looking to […]

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Wagara: Japanese Patterns and What They Mean

Aya Sato — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 21:58:10 +0000

Wagara are traditional Japanese patterns; wa means “Japanese-style” and gara means “pattern.” You’ll notice these patterns everywhere in Japan — on kimono and yukata (cotton summer kimono), tenugui handkerchiefs, stationery, housewares and more. Many of these patterns date to the Heian period (794–1185), with roots stretching back even further. Mainly inspired by nature — whether […]

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King Charles Wishes a Happy 50th Birthday to Hello Kitty in Banquet Speech

Aya Sato — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 03:34:48 +0000

King Charles mentioned Sanrio’s most iconic character Hello Kitty during a state banquet speech this week, celebrating Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako’s visit to Buckingham Palace. The king aims to strengthen the diplomatic ties between Japan and the United Kingdom and made references to Japanese pop culture icons that link the two countries, including Hello […]

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