For generations, the Japanese kitchen was a space of contrasts: a dirt floor meeting a raised platform of wooden planks. Today’s kitchens, by comparison, boast an array of practical and compact designs. Associate Professor Suzaki Fumiyo rec…

In Japan, the sweet potato holds a prominent place in cuisine and culture. Baked, fried, simmered in hearty stews, or transformed into delicate desserts, it has long served as a reliable source of sustenance during times of scarcity. More …

For many years, Japan was believed to hold no fossil evidence of dinosaurs. That perception has been dramatically altered, as the country has become a significant site for dinosaur discoveries. The Kamuysaurus japonicus, unearthed in Hokkai…

Nestled in the mountains of Okayama Prefecture, the village of Kamimomi boasts picturesque terraced rice paddies. Yet, with a population of fewer than ninety, it faces the threat of fading into obscurity. Here, Kyle Holzhueter, an American,…

Across Japan, a renewed enthusiasm for camping is taking hold. Increasingly, women-only campsites and solitary expeditions are proving popular. For those seeking a more comfortable experience, glamping – camping with pre-erected accommodati…

Despite a sometimes difficult economic climate, the market for cosmetics designed for men is steadily expanding in Japan. The rise of social media and the increasing prevalence of remote work have fostered a heightened awareness among men r…

Konnyaku holds a significant place in Japanese culinary tradition. Revered for its high fiber content and suitability for dietary needs, it has more recently gained recognition for potential benefits in managing conditions like dementia and…

The Japanophile series explores the Land of the Rising Sun through the perspective of those who have made it their home from afar. This installment introduces Isabelle Sasaki, a karate instructor originally from France. She volunteered in O…

Each year, twenty-five million visitors flock to Ueno, a district of Tokyo. Here, world-class museums and educational institutions coexist with vibrant street markets, significant shrines and temples, a renowned zoo, and much more. Few urba…

Across Japan, companies are increasingly integrating weather data with sales records to forecast consumer demand. This practice facilitates the optimization of distribution networks, leading to reduced waste and lower carbon dioxide emissio…

The subtropical island of Amami Oshima offers a landscape of breathtaking beauty, a subject captured with remarkable artistry by Tanaka Isson. Often called the "Japanese Gauguin," Isson discovered a fresh wellspring of inspiration upon his …

The people of Amami Oshima once faced such hardship that they learned to render a poisonous plant palatable. These challenging conditions fostered an enduring resilience and ingenuity on the subtropical island, which, throughout the centuri…

This episode of Japanophiles features Francesco Panto, an Italian psychiatrist who employs a distinctive form of “anime therapy.” In this occasional series, we explore Japan through the perspectives of those who have made their home there f…

Across Japan, a significant number of homes stand unoccupied; roughly one in seven dwellings are vacant, totaling 8.5 million properties. This widespread vacancy presents potential challenges, raising concerns about increased fire risk, vul…

Often called "solo opera," Rokyoku was once the most beloved form of entertainment in Japan, its leading practitioners among the wealthiest individuals. Emerging in the late 19th century, Rokyoku’s popularity waned sharply with the arrival …

The Japanese honeybee, a wilder relative of its Western counterpart, yields less honey – a less commercially viable product. Yet, the multifloral honey it produces boasts a flavor both rich and complex. Cultivating these bees offers hobbyis…

Ningyo joruri, a Japanese performing art with a history spanning four centuries, relies on the collaborative efforts of three individuals to imbue meticulously crafted puppets with astonishing lifelike qualities. American puppeteer Martin H…

Luna lionfish and black rabbitfish—these represent a category of fish often overlooked and discarded. The reasons are simple: unfamiliar to most consumers, and frequently challenging to prepare. Yet, as ocean temperatures rise and populatio…

For centuries, Japan enjoyed a reputation for exceptional cleanliness. However, today, waste presents a significant challenge. While other nations often deposit refuse directly into landfills, Japan—constrained by limited space—primarily in…

The increasing frequency of wildfires presents novel difficulties, particularly for residential areas. Japan is adapting to this changing landscape through innovative firefighting technologies: waterless fire engines, artificial intelligenc…

For generations, fermented foods have formed a cornerstone of Noto’s culinary traditions. This region of Ishikawa Prefecture boasts a particular specialty: ishiri, a fermented fish sauce unique to the area. Benjamin Flatt, an Australian che…

Every year, it is believed that the deities of Japan convene in Izumo, located in the west of the country. We journey to Izumo Taisha, a shrine steeped in a thousand years of history, and delve into a land profoundly connected to the ancien…

During the late 19th century, the writer Lafcadio Hearn, known in Japan as Koizumi Yakumo, played a significant role in introducing Japanese culture to a global audience. We journey to the Izumo region to explore the world of the supernatur…