Entertainment
Museums, Art, Music, Gaming, Cosplay and Conventions
It’s now possible to visit a range of galleries and museums in Japan online. You can “walk” through halls by clicking through the passageways, teleport to different floors, and even zoom in on artefacts for a better look. You can find virtual tours and live streams of Japan featuring everything from Cherry Blossom to Museums, Shrines, and even a virtual tour through the Maki-Do Caves.
Virtual Tour of Japan
Visit Japan from home using a 360-degree virtual tour set up by the Japan National Tourism Organization. Called ‘Japan: Where Tradition Meets the Future’, the virtual viewing experience takes in a range of popular tourist attractions such as the Arashiyama bamboo forest in Kyoto, Kagawa’s Angel Road, and the Nara Deer Park.
Virtual Cherry Blossom Tour
One of the most popular seasonal activities in Japan during the spring is the act of hanami, or the viewing of flowering cherry blossoms. You can experience the vivid pink sakura flowers in person this year; the Japanese Weather News site has uploaded 360-degree virtual tours of several of the most popular viewing locations online.
Maki-Do Cave Virtual Tour
The Maki-do caves are located in Nimi, Okayama Prefecture and stretch back 450 meters into limestone rock. Also known as the ‘Dream Palace’, you can now visit the caves’ illuminated underground lake and dramatic stalactites from the comfort of your own home with an online 3D guide.
The Sand Museum
Nestled among the Tottori Sand Dunes in Tottori Prefecture, Japan’s only art space dedicated to sand sculptures features both an open-air sculpture museum and the world’s first permanent indoor exhibition hall honouring the craft. The museum’s online exhibition space contains an extensive archive of some of the greatest works created in Tottori by the best sand artists in the world.
Tokyo National Museum of Nature and Science
The Japanese National Museum of Nature and Science, located in Tokyo’s Ueno district, has made its own extensive VR tour available on its site, providing guided visits around two different exhibitions. These include the Japanese Pavilion, which explores the country’s wildlife and contains an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils from Japan and a tour of the Global Pavilion, which begins in a room full of exotic animals.
Tezuka Osamu Manga Museum
The Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum, located in Takarazuka, north of Osaka prefecture, is dedicated to what is considered by many to be the “father of manga“. In the museum, you can see photos of the artist himself and his first illustrations. There is also a series of Astro Boy anime video clips, where you can see how animation has evolved over the decades.
https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/tezuka-osamu-manga-museum/ARLlaUsh
Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
This museum in Fukuoka aims to underline the difference between Asian and Western art and accentuate the unique charm of art culture from various countries across Asia. Lovers of Asian art can now explore the collection from home, as the museum has now launched a virtual tour of over 150 pieces, a generous sample of work that takes in various mediums.
Cosplay
The 86th Floor: Cosplay and Cons
The 86th Floor: Cosplay and Cons dedicated to celebrating the best in cosplay and convention culture, attending conventions across Europe and the world to bring you the best in incredible cosplay. They create Cosplay Music Videos and dedicated cosplay videos to celebrate the cosplay and geek culture you love!
Find out more about The 86th Floor on
Website: http://theeightysixthfloor.com/
Music
Scandal
Scandal celebrates their 15th year in 2021, and have kicked off celebrations with the release of a new single eternal, out to download and stream from March 3rd. The Band are appearing at the O2 Academy on 23rd October 2021. They are also doing several live streams, including one that uses visual technology to project onto the stage, allowing fans to pretend they've been able to see Scandal live all year long!
Aldious
Aldious, the “groundbreaking” (NYLON) metal band from Japan, are about to smash boundaries overseas as they recruit phenomenal new vocalist R!N, setting an international release date for their first album in three years, and announce dates for their first ever tour in the UK and Europe. They will be performing at Underworld in London on 20th October 2021.
Gaming
Natsuki Chronicles PS4
Natsuki Chronicles is based in the same world as Ginga Force and allows you to play Natsuki, a member of the Rapid Deployment Force, who fights to defend her home. Customise your ship, and enjoy Arcade Mode or Chronicles Mode, the first of which focuses on racking up your score count, while the latter explores Natsuki's story.
Re:Zero: The Prophecy Of The Throne PS4
One month after Subaru's new life in another world began, an emissary sent by the royal castle suddenly appears with news that the royal selection has been postponed, but offers no reason as to why. The postponement of this grand event that decides the next ruler of the Kingdom of Lugunica stirs Subaru and his friends into action. Featuring brand-new characters designed by the original artist Shinichirou Otsuka as well as your favourites from the series!