When the sites of Japan’s Meiji industrial revolution were added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites, Highlighting Japan spoke with then-Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Masanori Aoyagi about the significance of World Heritage Sites in Japan.

Every November 15, parents pray for the development and happiness of their 5-year-old boys and 3- and 7-year old daughters.

Cherry blossom vewing, or 'hanami,' has a long tradition in Japan. Today people head out in droves to picnic beneath the blooming cherry trees, while more than a millennium ago, members of the royal court composed poetry just for cherry blossom viewing!

Established in 1948, Seijin no Hi (Coming of Age Day) is dedicated to those who have reached 20 years of age and are therefore considered adults in Japanese society.

Professor Lee Thompson examines how media narratives have shaped the public’s view of Japanese athletics from the postwar period to the present.

Launched in 2007, the Tokyo Marathon now draws up to 37,000 competitors, over 10,000 volunteers and more than 1.5 million spectators, and has become one of the world’s dominant marathons.

The opening ceremony of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics was held on October 10, which in 1966 became a national public holiday known as Health and Sports Day. Many schools hold athletic events and sports meets on this day.

How often does a sumo wrestler wash his loincloth?