With a distinct culture developed under the warmth of the Seto Inland climate, Okayama Prefecture (岡山県) has a rich heritage…
Toshiko SakuraiJanuary 5, 2022
During the Edo period (1603-1868), the powerful Tsugaru clan ruled the region around present-day Hirosaki. The city still has a…
Thomas SiebertDecember 21, 2021
Hinoura Tsukasa turned the blade over in his hands, his keen eye taking in every detail of his handiwork. Each…
Todd FongDecember 20, 2021
If you have ever been to Japan, you may have noticed short curtains hanging at the entrance of shops and…
Eva ColomeraOctober 29, 2021
Having the world’s spotlight during the Olympics was the perfect opportunity for the Japan Cultural Expo to showcase the richness…
Toshiko SakuraiSeptember 27, 2021
In Okinawan dialect, yachimun (やちむん) means pottery. Its history dates back hundreds of years when the islands were still the…
Lucia TsujiguchiSeptember 8, 2021
When I think about Okinawa, the first word that comes to mind is "paradise". Its turquoise blue ocean contrasts with…
Lucia TsujiguchiSeptember 8, 2021
Handmade pottery is one of the oldest crafts in Japan. It’s a combination of art and tradition that reflects Japanese…
Lucia TsujiguchiSeptember 8, 2021
Like many of the traditional crafts of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom (琉球王国), Okinawan glass is also part of a story…
Lucia TsujiguchiSeptember 8, 2021
A samurai on the run. A distraught courtesan. A relentless fox. History and folk tales collide on stage, where a…
Toshiko SakuraiAugust 18, 2021
Surrounded by a rich natural environment in the heart of the Japanese Alps, the historical district of Takayama (高山) perpetuates…
Marie BorgersApril 30, 2021
If the wind blew strong through Tokyo’s Kokyo Gaien (皇居外苑) National Garden on Sunday, gusting through rows of a captivated…
Cherise FongMarch 19, 2021
No doubt, the most striking piece of artwork inside the National Theatre of Japan in Tokyo is the Kagamijishi (鏡獅子),…
Cherise FongMarch 5, 2021
Takaoka city, nestled between the mountains of Toyama prefecture alongside the traditional Gokayama village and the Sea of Japan, has…
Joachim DucosFebruary 26, 2021
This is Part 1 of a 3 part series of articles about the New Golden Route, a part of Japan…
Lucia TsujiguchiFebruary 12, 2021
As the capital of Niigata Prefecture northwest of Fukushima, Niigata City sits on the west coast of Japan. The city…
Richard MilnerFebruary 10, 2021
Sado Island has a richly-diverse local tradition and community off the west coast of Japan near Niigata City (新潟市). Known…
Richard MilnerFebruary 10, 2021
Located off the west coast of Japan, Sado Island is a short ferry ride from Niigata city. Ferries depart throughout…
Richard MilnerFebruary 10, 2021
From pictorial villages of traditional thatched-roof houses to one of Japan’s beloved onsen hot spring towns, a visit to Gifu Prefecture…
Mika CunninghamFebruary 8, 2021
Just outside the crowds of Kyoto city is a world of serene nature, vibrant culture, and deep history that you…
Todd FongFebruary 3, 2021
“It takes two entire years to pass a taiko apprenticeship. That means no drinking, no smoking, no social media. Do…
Lucy DaymanDecember 3, 2020
The exquisite traditional Japanese kimono is a beautiful article of clothing. However, one often forgets its other half: the long…
Todd FongNovember 30, 2020
I’m sure you are missing Japan. You would like to be closer to this wonderful culture and experience its essence.…
Maria PeñascalNovember 19, 2020
In many cultures, the deceased have great relevance. And Japan is no exception: death is almost as important as life.…
Maria PeñascalOctober 13, 2020
In the minds of many people considering a trip to Japan, one of the iconic images of this beautiful country…
Todd FongSeptember 1, 2020
Kimono patterns are not only decorative but also have special cultural meaning. The wearer will often choose based on the…
AmyAugust 26, 2020
Like chess is to the west, the game of Go is an Asian board game in which the players can…
Joachim DucosJuly 4, 2020
