All About Japan

All About Alice Gordenker
Alice has lived and worked in Japan for close to 25 years. She studied Japanese art at Princeton University and translates for museums throughout Japan. Her popular column in The Japan Times, which ran from 2001 to 2015, answered readers’ questions on Japan with meticulously researched yet decidedly off-beat reports on everything from industrial safety to traditional talismans. She has appeared on NHK World and is certified as an expert consultant by the Japan Tourism Agency.
What I like about Japan
Alice has a special interest in traditional crafts of Japan.
The Mesmerizing Art of Munakata Shiko

The Mesmerizing Art of Munakata Shiko

A major retrospective looks at how "time" and "place" shaped famous 20th c. printmaker Munakata Shiko.

Why I Love Imari Ware (and Want You to Love It Too)

Why I Love Imari Ware (and Want You to Love It Too)

Arts writer Alice Gordenker shares her appreciation for the Japanese porcelain that has captivated the world for more than 400 years.

An Ancient Japanese Legend Restored to View: Prince Shotoku in 8K

An Ancient Japanese Legend Restored to View: Prince Shotoku in 8K

A new use of technology gives us better access to fragile treasures from Japan's past. See how, in a very special Tokyo museum.

The Life of Hokusai, As Seen in the Collection of a Remarkable Museum

The Life of Hokusai, As Seen in the Collection of a Remarkable Museum

Master of invention (and reinvention): the great Japanese artist Hokusai changed his style as often as he changed his name. Learn little-known facts about one of Japan's most well-known artists at this Shimane museum.

Winter at the Adachi Museum of Art: Superb Rosanjin Collection in Shimane

Winter at the Adachi Museum of Art: Superb Rosanjin Collection in Shimane

Best known for its gardens and collection of nihonga painting, the Adachi Museum of Art now has a hall dedicated to epicure Kitaoji Rosanjin.

California Transplant on Mission to Save Japanese Crafts

California Transplant on Mission to Save Japanese Crafts

Many traditional Japanese crafts are under threat. This man is on a mission to save them for future generations.

Nine Treasures of Japan You NEED to See. Here’s How!

Nine Treasures of Japan You NEED to See. Here’s How!

Japan classifies certain precious objects as "National Treasures." Each has so much to teach us about Japanese history and culture. How many do you already know?

A 'New' Museum for Your Kyoto Bucket List

A 'New' Museum for Your Kyoto Bucket List

Near the famous bamboo forest: a new museum in Kyoto's beautiful riverside Arashiyama district has an amazing collection of Japanese paintings and is not to be missed!

Why I Love Nihonga (and Want You to Love It Too)

Why I Love Nihonga (and Want You to Love It Too)

Nihonga is a genre of modern Japanese painting that uses natural materials and draws inspiration from nature and traditional themes in Japanese culture. Find out more, including the best museums in Japan to experience the unique beauty of nihonga.

know-before-you-go