The humble onigiri is experiencing a surge in popularity worldwide. Vibrant, novel variations are sparking excitement across social media platforms, and convenience stores consistently introduce fresh offerings. We explore these recent evol…

With an increasing emphasis on circular economies, the practice of repairing goods is gaining renewed attention. This exploration examines how individuals in Japan preserve their possessions, employing techniques that span from the ancient …

From Switzerland, Johan Leutwiler holds the distinction of being Japan’s sole foreign swordsmith. In a recent conversation with Japanophiles, he shares his journey – the compelling force that led him to the intricate art of Japanese swordma…

In Japan, the octopus holds a significance that extends beyond the culinary; it is a subject of artistic expression, sometimes revered as a sacred entity, and occasionally even kept as a companion. This is a nation with a deep and intricate…

Japanese leather shoes command global admiration, and the nation boasts a leader in the art of shoeshining. This exploration delves into the craftsmanship and services that define Japan's esteemed leather shoemaking industry.

Scattered across the landscape of Japan, torii stand as thresholds, marking the passage to sacred Shinto shrines and the kami residing within. We encounter communities striving to restore these gateways following a devastating earthquake, a…

Born in Japan, Mamachari bicycles were conceived to serve a diverse range of needs. Indeed, they played a significant role in enabling women's participation in the workforce. We explore the qualities that give these bicycles their distincti…

Stephen Turner, a British enthusiast, has devoted his career to his deep affection for Japanese trains. Join him as he journeys through Chiba Prefecture, uncovering the distinctive charm of Japan’s local rail lines.

Family restaurants, a distinctive feature of the Japanese dining landscape, maintain a consistent appeal even to those eating alone. Their success in navigating the fluctuating fortunes of the restaurant business can be attributed, in part,…

Natto, with its distinctive aroma and viscous texture, provokes strong reactions – affection or aversion. Yet, this fermented soybean dish has long been associated with a longer life, and a compound within it may even offer solutions to pre…

Japanese stationery enjoys a global reputation for its superior quality, thoughtful design, and practical features. Our selection showcases a diverse array of intriguing objects, encompassing specialized tools for research laboratories, erg…

From humble beginnings as a fisherman, John Manjiro became the first Japanese to formally study in the United States. He subsequently played a pivotal role in Japan’s modernization. Peter Barakan is traveling to Manjiro’s hometown in Tosa.

Peter Barakan journeyed to the Tosa region, a land renowned for the powerful Kuroshio Current and its history of bonito fishing. It is also a place steeped in legend, believed to be where the venerable priest Kobo Daishi achieved enlightenm…

Johan Nordstrom, a film scholar based in Sweden, dedicates his expertise to the realm of early Japanese cinema. He illuminates films from over a century past, detailing Japan’s distinctive practice of live narration accompanying silent film…

The art of origami involves transforming a flat sheet of paper into intricate forms – animals, blossoms, and designs of remarkable complexity. More recently, the principles underlying this practice have found application in fields as divers…

The popularity of sake is surging worldwide, yet within Japan its producers grapple with a decline in drinking. This is a story of the sake industry's uncertain future, one shaped by the dedication of craftspeople, the promise of innovation…

Once defined by meticulous order and streamlined efficiency, Japanese offices are undergoing a quiet transformation. Increasingly, they are spaces designed to encourage dialogue, adopting layouts reminiscent of cafes and, surprisingly, even…

From Bangladesh, agricultural scientist Ziaul Karim cultivates distinctive farming practices in Okayama, demonstrating the potential for accessible agriculture. Collaborating with local communities, he focuses on cultivating and utilizing u…

Though the count of bookstores in Japan dwindles, both large corporations and small, independent shops are devising inventive strategies to draw readers back. This is a look toward the future of book-selling in the country.

The ubiquitous convenience stores of Japan offer far more than a quick meal. Many stock apparel and provide essential administrative services. A growing number even employ digital avatars and robots in conjunction with human staff. These es…

A burgeoning fascination with sleep is taking hold in Japan. A wave of innovative products, ranging from technologically advanced beds to sophisticated sleepwear, promises enhanced rest. This exploration examines the latest developments sha…

For more than thirty-five years, Astrid Klein, born in Italy, and Mark Dytham, born in the UK, have collaborated as architects in Tokyo, creating spaces that extend beyond mere structures to foster communication and inspire creativity.

Yoshida Shoin, a figure of 19th-century education, lived a brief life of just twenty-nine years. Nevertheless, his philosophies profoundly influenced Japan’s path toward modernization, and his writings continue to resonate with readers even…

Volcanoes punctuate the landscape of Hagi, a town in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The volcanic stone, readily available, has shaped the very character of the place. Furthermore, the region’s distinctive clay and soil have nurtured both its celebr…