Blog
When You Want to Make Japanese Friends in Japan
When I moved to Japan in August 2018, I came with a firm belief that I was going to fully […]
Culture
One of a Kind Pokemon Design Manhole Covers Are Taking Over Japanese Towns
In some areas of Japan, all you have to do to get a feel of local traditions and specialties […]
Culture
Firework Inspired Wagashi Bring the Beauty of Summer Festivals to Traditional Japanese Sweets
Source: wagashi_sanchan The seasonal changes are often celebrated in Japanese art, and the art of confectionery is no di
Culture
Social Innovation Japan: A New Generation Builds Its Narrative for the Future
All around the world, in metropolitan cities, suburban areas, and rural regions, there are people with mixed backgrou
Culture
[Mythbusters] KIMZNICKERS and the Crass KIMONO Flap
For much of May, my Google news alert was peppered with stories about a slug that had allegedly brought […]
Special Reports
A Discussion on Japan’s Place in the World: ‘Japan Needs to Wake Up’
Japan should take hold of its narrative and wake up to take its place in the world. That […]
Travel
Niigata’s ‘Giant Kite Battle’: A Story of Retaliation Turns Into A Festival Tradition
Three hundred kilometers west of Tokyo, in the heart of Japan’s Niigata Prefecture, lies Shirone. It is a modest [&hel
Travel
[Hidden Wonders of Japan] Preserving Maruyama’s Thousand Rice Paddies
The sound of pheasants chirping and frogs croaking filled the air. The rice paddies reflected the blue […]
Sports
Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays: Routes, Runners and Race Details
On June 1, the organizing committee of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games announced the route for the [&helli
Culture
Maiko Calling: Apprentice Geisha Welcome Kyoto Visitors
Maiko, or apprentice geisha, are one of the main attractions of the ancient capital of Kyoto. Young maiko […]
Culture
Manga Fans Worldwide Can Now Read Latest ‘One Piece’ for Free
Smartphone app MANGA Plus, released by the publishing company Shueisha in January, has caught the attention of manga
Culture
May at the Kabukiza Theatre: 5-year-old Debuts at Dan-Kiku Festival
The month of May’s matinee and evening show performances at the Kabukiza Theatre are a lineup of extremely famous [&he