As Japan’s population confronts an aging demographic, a growing number of older adults remain engaged in both work and leisure pursuits. The stories of an 88-year-old programmer and a 104-year-old clock repairer offer glimpses into the keys…

Forests have historically been integral to Japan's landscape, blanketing two-thirds of the islands and serving as the primary source of building materials. However, these vital ecosystems now face significant challenges. This exploration ex…

Matthew Headland, a Canadian with a passion for all things Japanese, finds work in marketing for a workshop specializing in hand-hammered copperware. He recently discussed his enthusiasm for the craft with Peter Barakan in an interview gear…

Celebrating twenty years, this special gathers presenters and viewers as they join Peter Barakan in reflecting on memorable moments. The first part explores the world of musician and Japanophile Todd Rundgren, alongside a sake tasting and t…

Celebrating twenty years, Peter Barakan invites presenters and viewers alike to reminisce about memorable moments. The special includes contributions from fans worldwide, who share their perspectives on the show's most cherished history.

Initially unassuming, Japanese washing machines have evolved into among the most sophisticated globally. This is a chronicle of their advancement, exploring the cutting-edge innovations that define them today.

Across Japan, a growing number of empty houses are finding new purpose. Some are becoming ventures for investors, others transformed into hotels, while still others offer canvases for imaginative renovations. We explore how properties once …

Nicoleta Oprisan, a practitioner of ikebana from Romania, possesses a remarkable skill in the Japanese art of floral arrangement. In a conversation with those fascinated by Japan, she discusses ikebana’s profound ability to convey meaning b…

Wakocha, a Japanese black tea distinguished by its cultivation and processing, is garnering significant acclaim on the world stage. To understand the source of this recognition, Peter Barakan journeys to Japan, speaking with tea farmers, ha…

Shizuoka, a city with a manufacturing history stretching back to the time of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, is home to approximately ninety percent of Japan’s plastic model production. We examine the newest innovations shaping this celebrated craf…

Innovation is reshaping the landscape of Japanese cuisine, with novel technologies giving rise to exciting food products. From plant-based meat alternatives crafted from soybeans to advancements in land-based aquaculture and three-dimension…

A distinctly Japanese spiritual path, Shugendo is defined by its demanding ascetic disciplines. Its roots lie deep within the wooded mountains of Kumano, and we examine the lives of those who dedicate themselves to its practice.

Minakata Kumagusu, a scholar of considerable breadth, left his mark on biology, folklore, and numerous other disciplines. He is considered a pioneer in the field of environmental conservation in Japan, establishing crucial groundwork for it…

Lekh Raj Juneja, an Indian native, heads the largest producer of rice snacks in Japan. During a conversation with a publication focused on Japanese culture, he discusses the global possibilities inherent in Japan's refined rice processing t…

Sabae, a city in Fukui Prefecture, stands as one of the world's foremost hubs for eyeglasses production. Here, we explore the evolution of Japanese eyewear, charting a course from its nascent beginnings to the sophisticated technologies of …

Across Japan's network of expressway toll roads, nearly ninety service areas offer amenities to travelers, collectively generating an impressive five hundred thirty billion yen in annual revenue. This analysis explores their development ove…

The tanuki, or Japanese raccoon dog, is a creature of uncommon sightings worldwide, yet their presence in Japan’s urban landscapes has become more frequent since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This exploration delves into the animal's …

Stephanie Crohin, a French journalist and ardent advocate for *sento*, or Japanese public bathhouses, cultivates a presence on social media dedicated to their promotion. She recounts to Peter Barakan her deep affection for the comforting an…

Japan’s industrial prowess commands global admiration. This exploration delves into the reasons behind its enduring appeal, examining a range of products – from compact excavators to towering cranes capable of constructing skyscrapers withi…

Across Japan, a growing number of people are contemplating end-of-life arrangements, particularly the disposition of their cremated remains. This consideration has fostered interest in a variety of burial options, encompassing practices lik…

Beneath the elevated railway lines of Japan, a transformation is underway. These once-neglected spaces are blossoming into vibrant hubs – a mix of eateries and pubs, alongside a wealth of innovative uses found throughout the cities. We exam…

From the mountains of Nagano Prefecture comes Adam Smith, an English potter dedicated to a life of self-reliance. He crafts pieces imbued with deep, natural hues, achieved through meticulously prepared glazes derived from the region's nativ…

John F. Kennedy held Uesugi Yozan in high regard. A feudal lord, Yozan assumed control of the Yonezawa Domain at just fifteen years old. There, he implemented fiscal reforms that spurred the impoverished domain toward an astonishing resurge…

Uesugi Yozan, a feudal lord who garnered the admiration of John F. Kennedy, placed the welfare of his people above all else. In this second installment, we examine the policies he implemented and how they steered his territory toward enduri…