Peter Barakan, speaking with *Japanophiles*, sits down with Tom Hovasse, a basketball coach from the United States. Having spent a significant portion of his playing career in Japan, Hovasse later transitioned to coaching Japanese teams. In…

The kotatsu is a low table, heated from beneath and draped with a blanket, a fixture in Japanese homes for centuries during the winter months. It fosters a sense of warmth and intimacy, providing an ideal space for watching television, read…

Virtual YouTubers generate online content through computer-animated avatars. Employing motion capture technology, they record their own gestures and expressions, which are then faithfully rendered onto the digital persona. This concept gain…

For centuries, traditional Japanese homes—characterized by earthen walls, wooden beams, and thatched roofs—have stood as testaments to ingenious design. Constructed with materials sourced from the immediate surroundings, these dwellings emp…

Spanning from approximately 13,000 BC to 300 BC, the Jomon period witnessed a society of hunter-gatherers deeply attuned to the natural world, valuing peace, cooperation, and a profound connection to their environment. This is the first of …

Spanning from approximately 13,000 BC to 300 BC, the Jomon period witnessed a society of hunter-gatherers deeply attuned to the natural world, valuing peace, cooperation, and a profound connection to their environment. In the second part of…

A passionate cyclist from the United Kingdom, Steve Tallon embarked on an eight-month journey in 2005, cycling from his home to Japan. The route spanned sixteen thousand kilometers, traversing Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Chin…

The global pandemic has made face masks a ubiquitous sight, yet in Japan, the practice is deeply rooted in tradition, spanning centuries. Contemporary ingenuity now seeks to overcome the communication challenges masks present. Science histo…

Washi, the distinctive Japanese paper, possesses a beautiful texture alongside remarkable strength. For generations, it has played a vital role in the fabric of Japanese life and culture. Akutsu Tomohiro joins us to discuss his craft of res…

For centuries, the Japanese have relied on personal seals, called Hanko, as a mark of identity. These stamps feature in daily life – from accepting a delivery to conducting business – and are deeply ingrained in the culture. Today, we meet …

Spanning from 1926 to 1989, the Showa era represents a significant period in Japanese history. The 1960s, 70s, and 80s are often recalled with affection in Japan as a time of prosperity, when the nation enjoyed the benefits of a robust econ…

Claudio Feliciani, a Swiss-Italian scientist, dedicates his research to the dynamics of crowds. He collaborated with three Japanese researchers on an investigation into the phenomenon of accidental collisions – why individuals jostle one an…

Kei cars, ultra-compact motor vehicles accounting for 40% of the Japanese fleet, are prized for their maneuverability, practicality, and affordability. Particularly prevalent in rural areas are the diminutive “keitora” pickup trucks, ideall…

A resurgence has swept through Japan, bringing vinyl records back into prominence. Sales in 2021 were ten times greater than in 2010, a testament to this enduring popularity. Japanese used records are highly prized globally, consistently ma…

The islands of Okinawa Prefecture, nestled in the subtropical south of Japan, once formed the heart of a flourishing maritime trading power: the Ryukyu Kingdom. In this first of two explorations of Okinawa, we uncover the strategies by whic…

The islands of Okinawa Prefecture, nestled in the southern reaches of Japan, enjoy a subtropical climate. Once, they flourished as the Ryukyu Kingdom, a vibrant center of maritime trade. In this, the second of two explorations of Okinawa, w…

In Japan, frozen foods are a cornerstone of daily life for many households. Manufacturers continually innovate, striving to enhance flavor, extend shelf life, and improve convenience. Consumer consultant Miura Yoshiko sheds light on the end…

Gregory Khezrnejat is an American author and associate professor at a Japanese university. In 2021, he received the second annual Kyoto Literature Award for his novel *Kamogawa Runner*, a work deeply rooted in his initial experiences in Jap…

First brought to Japan in the sixteenth century, goldfish have enjoyed enduring popularity ever since. Beloved as pets and frequently depicted on commonplace items, they hold a special place in the nation's affections. Author and goldfish s…

Japan's population is aging at an accelerating rate, prompting a significant development in welfare technology. To meet the evolving needs of its elderly citizens, the country has fostered a diverse market of assistive goods. Ingenious devi…

Japan's vulnerability to water-related disasters – floods, landslides, and storm surges – is a persistent challenge. Throughout its history, the nation has developed various strategies to lessen the impact of these events. University profes…

Andrew Dewar, a native of Toronto, Canada, dedicates himself to the art of paper airplane design. His fascination began at ten years old with the discovery of a strikingly elegant design he'd never seen before. He reached out to its origina…

The moon has held a revered place in the hearts of the Japanese people throughout their history. For generations, moon-viewing festivals have been a cherished tradition, expressions of gratitude for the moon's influence on bountiful harvest…

A leading global consumer of cardboard, Japan has long demonstrated ingenuity in its application. The cardboard beds employed during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games served as a prominent illustration of this resourcefulness. Thi…

Five centuries ago, the waterways of the Seto Inland Sea were overseen and regulated by a collective known as the Murakami Pirates. Though "pirates" denotes a certain image, these mariners were not brigands; rather, they served as guardians…

Roughly five centuries ago, the Murakami Kaizoku maintained a watchful presence over sea lanes within the Seto Inland Sea. While the term "kaizoku" suggests piracy, these mariners were not brigands; instead, they served as protectors of the…

Hanawa-bayashi is the name given to both the elaborate floats paraded through Kazuno in Akita Prefecture, and to the traditional music performed throughout the night of the festival. Currently, the musicians include Colleen Schmuckal, an A…