Japan, an archipelago extending for thousands of miles, is often called "a country surrounded by the sea." It is perhaps unsurprising, then, that the nation boasts a fishing tradition deeply rooted in centuries, if not millennia, of develop…

Japan consistently ranks among the safest nations globally, boasting an exceptionally low crime rate. The most common concern for visitors is a petty theft, perhaps a bicycle or umbrella. Newcomers might find it striking to witness resident…

Japanese culture boasts a rich and enduring tradition of music and storytelling, many examples of which have been shared on Japanology Plus. This installment turns our attention to joruri, a significant form of traditional performance. We s…

Japan, mirroring the trends of developed nations, has enthusiastically adopted online shopping. In 2016 alone, a staggering 3.9 billion packages were delivered to homes, and this figure continues its upward trajectory. This widespread accep…

A short walk through Tokyo's streets will invariably lead one to a game arcade, its interior ablaze with light and filled with players of every age. The presence of these arcades is pervasive, evident not only in vibrant districts like Shib…

A surprising truth for visitors to Japan, particularly those who have only explored Tokyo, is that much of the country is covered in snow for months during the winter. Though the capital enjoys a relatively mild winter climate, approximatel…

Like much of the industrialized world, a considerable portion of shopping in Japan occurs within large shopping malls and chain supermarkets. Yet, across the nation's cities and towns, a more traditional retail experience persists, embodied…

The connection between samurai and sushi extends far beyond their shared Japanese origin. The evolution of washoku, Japan's distinctive traditional cuisine, owes a profound debt to the technology developed for crafting katana, the samurai's…

For generations, rail has been the backbone of transportation in Japan, moving both people and goods. While urban areas continue to thrive with train and subway ridership, the situation in regional rail is markedly different. Faced with com…

Japan possesses a deep and abiding affection for the miniature. From capsule toys to meticulously crafted model trains and dioramas, the nation displays a remarkable talent for creating exquisitely detailed, almost flawless scaled-down vers…

With the arrival of spring in Japan, the wedding season is gaining momentum. Across the globe, the prospect of marriage is a joyful occasion, a time for celebration with loved ones. The journey to wedlock in Japan is rich with tradition and…

For the last year, nearly everyone in Japan – 98% – has visited a 100 yen shop. Once perceived as purveyors of inexpensive, low-grade goods, these stores have steadily raised their standards. Today, items from 100 yen shops are commonplace …

While perhaps not as visually appealing as other Japanese culinary traditions, deep-fried foods—known as *agemono*—have nonetheless won the affection of food enthusiasts worldwide. As we explore on this installment of Japanology Plus, an as…

Enduring the relentless onslaught of waves and storms, lighthouses occupy a deeply held place in the Japanese imagination. While the rise of GPS and radar has rendered many obsolete, they persist in the recollections of those who once relie…

Japanese cuisine enjoys global acclaim; establishments offering sushi, ramen, and a myriad other dishes are now found across continents, and *washoku*, traditional Japanese cooking, was recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritag…

Seventy-five years have passed since the West and other nations embraced rapid industrialization, yet Japan remained a society rooted in tradition, governed by samurai, and largely isolated from global affairs. However, with the opening of …

A society’s approach to death, and the reverence it offers to the departed, often speaks volumes about its core values. This holds true in Japan as it does elsewhere in the world. The nation boasts a deep history of grave-making, interwoven…

For over two millennia, rice has formed the very heart of life in Japan. Indeed, one traditional name for the country is mizuho no kuni—"the Land of Abundant Rice." As explored in this edition of Japanology Plus, the transition from a hunte…

This episode of Japanology Plus explores the Ogasawara Islands, a secluded archipelago distinguished by its distinctive ecosystem and rich, multifaceted heritage. Situated 1,000 kilometers from Japan’s Pacific coast, the islands were initia…

Situated a thousand kilometers from Japan's Pacific coast, the Ogasawara Islands first sustained a permanent human presence in 1830. Generations of settlers cultivated a vibrant prosperity, but the Second World War irrevocably altered thei…

Bruce Gutlove, an American, has spent decades cultivating the increasing acclaim of Japanese wines. His accomplishments include having two of his wines served at G8 Summits held in Japan. For many years, he worked at a vineyard in Tochigi p…

A distinctive element of regional Japan is the roadside station—a haven that provides not only complimentary parking and restrooms, as well as information about nearby attractions, but also locally sourced farm products, a palpable sense of…

During Japan's sweltering summers, a tradition persists: a pilgrimage to summer resorts. Though the idea originated with Westerners living abroad, these resorts have since blossomed into something distinctly Japanese. Today, they offer a di…

In Japan, ghosts (yurei) are frequently depicted in a distinct art form known as yureiga, or "ghost pictures." A common element of this art is the portrayal of female spirits. Yet, Japanese ghosts manifest in diverse ways, each offering gli…

Millions of Japanese people begin each day with radio-guided exercises. This week on Japanology Plus, we explore the phenomenon of radio calisthenics. These routines are deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, practiced by people of all ages …

Japan stands as a global leader in the resourceful use of underground space, a fact vividly illustrated by its extensive network of subterranean shopping streets. Roughly eighty of these centers are scattered throughout the nation, providin…

This installment of Japanophiles profiles Jagmohan S. Chandrani, an Indian who has made Japan his home for four decades. We explore how he earned recognition as a founding figure of the country's largest Indian community. His journey offers…

The shrines and temples of Japan are far from uniform; each embodies distinct traditions and presents unique focal points for devotion. Many Japanese people embrace a spiritual perspective that leads them to offer prayers at both sacred sit…

Given Japan's susceptibility to earthquakes, safeguarding buildings has long been a paramount concern. Throughout history, ingenious methods have emerged to address this challenge, techniques evident in both venerable wooden structures and …

Across Japan, schools annually host vibrant sports days, events deeply significant to students and their families alike. This week on Japanology Plus, we explore these cherished traditions. Sports writer Masayuki Tamaki joins us to discuss …

Across Japan, it’s a familiar sight: almost every elementary school student carries the same kind of bag. These characteristically boxy satchels are known for their ample space, resilience, and thoughtful design. This episode of Japanology …

Japan is home to approximately one-fifth of the world's aquariums, and many offer distinctive attractions, ranging from mesmerizing jellyfish displays to recreations of frozen river landscapes. Some draw inspiration from the principles of J…

Consumed in staggering quantities – ten billion annually – onigiri, or rice balls, remain among Japan’s most beloved foods. These compact meals unite seasoned rice, a touch of salt, savory nori seaweed, and a variety of fillings, offering a…

David Stanley Hewett is a contemporary artist working primarily in ceramics and abstract painting. Japanese aesthetics and philosophies, particularly those of bushido, deeply inform his practice. A resident of Japan since 1988, Hewett’s wor…

Coffee is a global indulgence, yet Japan appears to share a uniquely intimate connection with it. This installment of Japanology Plus explores the nuances of Japan's coffee culture, tracing its initial encounter with the beverage, the reaso…

The year 2018 commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Meiji era's commencement, a period that also signaled the end of the samurai’s dominance in Japan. The name "Meiji," meaning "Enlightened Rule," reflects the era's aim, which spanned f…

In Japan, uniforms are a common sight: the jacket of a taxi driver, the dark suit of a fresh-faced office worker. Perhaps the most recognizable are those worn by middle and high school students, often distinguished by unique collars and but…

Soba, those noodles crafted from buckwheat, are a ubiquitous sight throughout Japan. Yet, soba holds significance beyond mere sustenance; it's also considered an auspicious way to conclude the year. This episode of Japanology Plus explores …