japan

We hit up Family Romance, a company that specializes in “people for rent,” to help throw VICE’s Kumpei Kuwamoto a wild birthday party—or at least what looked like one online.

Ramen-aficionado Bridie Shepherd travels deep into Tohoku to meet mountain priests, ward off evil spirits and find the best sake

Shino Hashimoto is a 21-year-old rider from Tokyo, who is fighting to prove herself in Japan’s male-dominated motorbike competitions through one of her proudest skills: cutting calls.

Join Bridie as she travels to Tohoku to meet battle-ready samurai, try fresh sashimi, and dive into an epic noodle eating challenge.

Rina Sawayama just teamed up with fashion pal Nicola Formichetti and yours truly on the music video for her poptastic single, Ordinary Superstar. We join Rina for a fabulous night of karaoke before she hits the town in some distinctly throwback looks

This man is fighting to get his kidnapped sister back from North Korea

Through her alternative take on Japanese beauty standards and "glittery cute" R&B sound, Rina Sawayama is the rising star redefining outdated ideas on what it means to be an East Asian model and musician today.

Japan is buying more nuclear bunkers as North Korea threat looms

Kiwi chef Josh Barlow is thrown into the deep end of Tokyo’s food and nightlife scene when he meets up with Japanese chef Nori Tsugawa and cooks for regulars at his izakaya.

Paitangi Ostick is one of the first females to practice tā moko – the Māori art of tattoo. She travels from New Zealand to Tokyo, where she meets Japanese tattoo artist Megumu Kamata to compare notes on their shared craft.

Coco fell in love with fashion when she was three. Now, at six she's racked up roughly 58,000 Instagram followers by modeling innovative, street-style outfits with confidence well beyond her years.

VICE meets Canada's real Lolitas, fans of a Japanese street fashion that promotes modesty and femininity with lacy dresses and bows. Watch as they prepare for a tea party where dozens will meet, socialize and feel empowered without being sexualized.