In this installment of our Japanophiles series, we offer a glimpse into the lives of foreigners who have embraced Japanese culture. Minyo, the folk music of Japan, is a vibrant tradition carried through generations across the country. Thirt…

The luxurious appeal of Japanese kimonos stems from the exquisite quality of pure silk, a natural fiber spun from silkworm cocoons. Renowned for its strength and elasticity, silk finds use in diverse applications – from the strings of the s…

Beneath the bustling streets of Tokyo lies a hidden world of subterranean spaces: a complex network of subways and roadways, tunnels housing essential utilities, and even sprawling shopping complexes. This episode of Japanology Plus delves …

A land shaped by fire and water, Japan faces a constant threat from natural disasters – volcanic eruptions, devastating floods, and frequent earthquakes. Recognizing this reality, the nation dedicates itself to preparedness unlike any other…

This installment of our Japanophiles series offers a glimpse into the lives of foreigners embracing Japanese culture. As Asia’s economies expand, air travel within the region is flourishing, and Japanese airlines are emphasizing the country…

In this installment of our Japanophiles series, we turn our attention to a fascinating conversation with a foreigner making a life in Japan. Pico Iyer, the essayist and novelist, has long considered Japan a central point in his work, a plac…

In the southernmost reaches of Japan lies Okinawa Prefecture, the historic heartland of the independent kingdom of Ryukyu. Centuries of exchange with neighboring lands fostered a distinctive, cosmopolitan culture on the islands, deeply inte…

Though geographically distant from the established centers of whisky production, Japan has, in recent years, seen its premium whiskies garnering top honors in major competitions and cultivating a devoted following across the globe. These su…

Japanese women are renowned globally for their dedication to skincare. For generations, from the highest echelons of society to everyday life, the pursuit of flawless skin has been a cherished endeavor. Japan’s climate and prevailing beauty…

In this installment of Japanology Plus, host Peter Barakan journeys to Sakai, a city nestled within Osaka Prefecture in Western Japan. Renowned for its bladesmithing since the Muromachi period (1333–1568), Sakai’s craft adapted to changing …

Japanese family crests draw inspiration from the natural world—plants, animals, and the broader landscape. Thousands of distinct crests exist, each a study in understated elegance that has graced Japanese life for centuries. Though traditio…

The traditional Japanese breakfast centers around steamed rice, accompanied by miso soup and a selection of small dishes. However, contemporary mornings in Japan often feature noodles, pancakes, bread, and granola alongside these establishe…

Across cultures, footwear has manifested in diverse ways, yet Japan appears to have cultivated a particularly rich assortment. Over the centuries, responding with ingenuity to both practical needs and evolving desires, Japanese footwear has…

Japan boasts a vibrant running culture, with ten million participants and nearly two thousand open races. The most popular events draw massive crowds and national television coverage. The nation appreciates not only the athleticism but also…

Digital messages and emails are increasingly populated with emoji, a form of communication originating in Japan. Emerging in the 1990s as a way to convey emotion within the limitations of small screens, emoji quickly proved valuable for fos…

A journey across Japan by train is rarely complete without an *ekiben*: a meticulously packed boxed meal sold at stations, brimming with the distinct flavors of the region. These culinary companions have existed alongside Japan's railways f…

Around the 1870s, the nascent bicycle industry in Japan emerged from the workshops of former gunsmiths. The mid-20th century saw innovations specifically designed for mothers with young children, leading to the development of the "mama-char…

The kimono, a garment steeped in Japanese tradition, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Its evolution into the form we recognize today spanned centuries, with each stage reflecting the aesthetic sensibilities and practical resource…

The simple wooden dolls known as kokeshi first appeared roughly two centuries ago in the hot spring towns of northeastern Japan. Initially a cherished gift for children, they subsequently captivated collectors and continue to charm a new ge…

The world of commerce is often described as fiercely competitive, a notion particularly resonant in Shibuya, Tokyo's upscale district, where high rents and demanding clientele prevail. For those who operate within this area, the constant cy…

The newest installment in our Japanophiles series profiles Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi chef whose path to Japan was forged not by chance, but by a deeper connection. For years, he has dedicated himself to mastering the ancient art…

The history of toilets in Japan stretches back two millennia. Contemporary models often boast heated seats and electronic bidets. Current developments include specialized designs for the elderly and those with infirmities, as well as portab…

Japan claims a remarkable number of bridges, a testament to the nation's geography, shaped by mountains and rivers. This has fostered a culture of innovative bridge building, positioning Japan as a leader in the field. Today on Japanology P…

Choral singing is a ubiquitous element of Japanese life, enjoyed by people of all ages and woven into the fabric of everyday occurrences – school functions, excursions, baseball games, and countless other moments. This tradition stems from …

The castles of Japan stand as enduring monuments to the samurai age. Their preservation often demands painstaking restoration, encompassing tasks like relocating immense keeps, replacing countless roof tiles, or rebuilding walls from thousa…

A volcanic region of immense geological activity, Japan hosts seven percent of the world's volcanoes. The islands themselves are home to 110 active volcanoes, and throughout its history, Japan has frequently found itself subject to their fo…

Japanese secondary schools provide a variety of extracurricular activities, ranging from athletic teams to clubs dedicated to diverse cultural interests. These pursuits cultivate essential values such as cooperation and social grace—corners…

The proliferation of breath mints, sprays, and a host of other products designed to combat body odor speaks to a deep-seated preoccupation with scent. In Japan, professionals are even certified to investigate unpleasant smells, and a fire a…

The incorporation of paper is fundamental to the traditional Japanese home, evident in elements like doors and sliding screens. Japanese papermaking technology continues its evolution, yielding innovations from advanced tissues to material…

This installment of our Japanophiles series offers a glimpse into the lives of foreigners who have made Japan their home. In Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost prefecture, awamori reigns as the local spirit. Revered as Japan's oldest distilled b…

Katsuobushi, the hard blocks of smoked skipjack tuna, are shaved into delicate flakes that enrich soup stocks with their savory essence. The technique for smoking skipjack, unchanged for centuries, remains the foundation of its production. …

The increasing participation of women in the Japanese workforce has brought the issue of childcare into sharp focus. In urban centers, the demand for daycare facilities often outstrips supply, while in other areas, many centers are facing c…

Japanese sweets and snacks offer a feast for the senses, a vibrant array of flavors and visually appealing designs. Their widespread popularity began over a century ago with the introduction of Western-style confectionery to Japan. This epi…

A recent survey of female visitors from across Asia indicated that 40% express a desire to experience a Japanese beauty salon. This reflects the considerable allure of Japan's hair salons, where clients typically receive exceptionally atten…