Japan is familiar with foreign franchises. McDonald’s arrived in 1971 (PDF) and began like many chains as a high-end fad (in Ginza, nonetheless) before becoming a ubiquitous part of local culture. One ...

Kissaten—retro-style cafés—are a beloved part of Japanese dining culture, with a dedicated following. Step into any kissaten—Japanese retro-style cafes—and you're immediately hit with the strong smell ...

Micro pigs play at a mipig cafe, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, in Tokyo. The Mipig Café in fashionable Harajuku is among 10 such pig cafes the operator has opened around Japan, including one in the ...

Today, more and more conceptual cafes are popping up in major cities. There are those where you can sip matcha while making pottery. And others where you can enjoy the essential avocado toast in total ...