A group of tourists follows their guide into the building, where he explains the history and context of what they’re seeing, translating signs from Japanese into English. Wide-eyed in awe, the ...

A simple pair of striped socks from Japanese convenience stores has become a global cult item. But how did an everyday essential turn into the souvenir travellers seek out? I am on the hunt in Tokyo.

One writer waxes poetic on how she found the best socks for women all from different affordable and luxe Japanese brands. Socks aren’t usually items that elicit passionate declarations. But as someone ...

Called “line socks” because of the stripe design, they cost 390 yen (about $2). They were an instant hit. According to culture magazine Monocle, the white unisex tube socks sold 1.4 million pairs in ...