allabout japan
allabout japan
Michael Kanert

Michael Kanert

In Japan since 2001, I'm a former ALT trainer who's lived in Shizuoka, Saitama and Tokyo, and visited 34 of Japan's 47 prefectures (13 to go!). When I can get out from behind the editorial desk, I take photos, do bits of theater and practice German longsword.

More by Michael Kanert
Kamizumo: The Art of Paper Sumo

Kamizumo: The Art of Paper Sumo

The history of 'kamizumo,' or paper sumo, reaches back to the popularization of flesh-and-blood sumo as a sport during the Edo Period. It's still played by kids—and some surprisingly dedicated adults—to this day.