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Tokyo’s Public Road Karts: A Revolutionary Tourist Attraction or an Urban “Obstacle”?

As a Tokyo resident, I have to admit that watching tourists dressed in colorful character costumes racing through the streets on low-profile karts is quite an entertaining sight. It brings a bit of whimsy and brightness to the otherwise concrete-dominated urban landscape—a welcome break from the everyday routine of businesspeople and commuters.  Seeing groups of Mario-like characters zipping past famous landmarks like Shibuya Crossing or Asakusa’s historic temples can be oddly charming, making you smile even on a hectic day. Yet behind the smiles, selfies, and social media buzz, there lie some growing urban challenges that Tokyo must reckon with. Real-life Mario Kart — but not exactly “Mario Kart” These public road kart tours appeared around the early 2010s. The concept is clever and simple: tourists zip through famous Tokyo spots such as Shibuya, Asakusa, and Shin-Kiba on mini karts, dressed up in playful costumes. This is the only activity that lets you experience the world of J...
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Super Simple Japanese History: From Emperors to Anime!

Japan’s history is a wild ride—from ancient emperors and sword-wielding samurai to sushi trains and anime culture. If you’ve only got a few minutes, here’s your fast-track crash course through the ages.  Ancient Beginnings (c. 14,000 BCE – 538 CE) Japan’s earliest people, during the Jomon period (c. 14,000–300 BCE) , lived in harmony with nature. They fished, hunted, and made intricate pottery—some of the oldest in the world. In the Yayoi period (c. 300 BCE–250 CE) , things started to change. Rice farming, bronze tools, and new social structures came in from the Asian mainland, especially China and Korea. These changes led to more organized communities and eventually, the rise of ruling elites. The Kofun period (c. 250–538 CE) is named after the huge keyhole-shaped tombs built for powerful leaders. The idea of a divine emperor, said to descend from the sun goddess Amaterasu, began here—setting the stage for Japan’s imperial legacy. Early Empires and Court Cul...
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What Will Happen to Nakano Sunplaza? The Uncertain Future of a Tokyo Landmark

Nakano Sunplaza , a landmark building in Tokyo’s Nakano district, has stood as a symbol of the area since its opening in 1973. For over 50 years, it has served as a beloved multi-purpose facility, featuring a concert hall, hotel, restaurants, and a wedding venue. But now, its future is hanging in the balance. ■ Nakano: Tokyo’s Hub for Hobbyists Just minutes from Shinjuku by train, Nakano is a highly accessible and popular neighborhood. It's best known for Nakano Broadway , a shopping complex packed with stores dedicated to manga, anime figures, vintage cameras, watches, and all manner of niche collectibles. The area is also known for its great food and is a favorite among foreign tourists and locals alike. ■ A Unique Shape and Cultural Heartbeat When it opened, Nakano Sunplaza's distinctive triangular design made it stand out in a city that had few tall buildings at the time. It was envisioned as a local landmark—and it became exactly that. The upper-floor restaurants o...
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