It looks delicious at first sight. Perfect ramen, glossy sushi, fluffy pancakes until you realize it's not real. Welcome to the world of Japanese food replicas, or sampulu (サンプル), where plastic food is not just decoration, it's a multi-million dollar industry and an art.

We explore the intriguing history of Japan's hyper-realistic restaurant windows. Spawned from functionality and refined through craftsmanship, these mock foods have assisted diners in comprehending menus for more than a hundred years particularly when words do not suffice.

Check out our social media below👇
https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard

Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナ

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summers in Japan isn't just hot, it's a battlefield against the sun. We look into why Japan is so obessed with covering up during the hot and humid weather, its cultural roots and why modern sun protection of all sorts is a multi-million dollar business.

Check out our social media below👇
https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard

Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナ

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What scares Japan today? From traditional ghost tales and vengeful spirits to viral videos, survival horror video games, and haunted escape rooms — Japanese horror has extended far beyond the traditional.
We explore how Japan's romance with horror has evolved in the modern era. No longer rooted in centuries-old folk stories and religious superstitions like yūrei and yokai, horror has also turned digital for the modern age. We’ll discover how horror is experienced in real life too — through cutting-edge haunted attractions, horror-themed cafes, and immersive escape rooms. New platforms like AR, VR, and interactive storytelling apps are opening up terrifying new ways to feel fear. Find out how fear keeps evolving...

Check out our social media below👇
https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard

Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナ

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.