All About Japan

Japan's Himekuri Calendars: Amazing Almanacs

Japan's traditional page-a-day himekuri calendars are fascinating windows into traditional ways of keeping track of everything from seasonal events to festivals and lucky days.

Shimbun Nishiki-e: The Meiji-era Origins of Japan’s Lurid Tabloids

In the Meiji Era (1868--1912), some enterprising woodblock artists used their traditional skills to bring a mix of news and entertainment to the masses.

7 Japanese House Features That Every Home Should Have

Some typical Japanese home features to improve life are worth adopting regardless of where you live.

Pioneers of Sustainable Living in Japan: The Remarkable People of Kamikatsu

The second of a series about the inspiring zero-waste Japanese town of Kamikatsu. Joy Jarman-Walsh introduces the people who want to make sustainability compatible with a good life.

Swede Peo Ekberg is a Fair Trade Leader in Japan

The Director of One Planet Cafe shares his insights on Fair Trade and why it's a win-win for everyone.

Brit Amelia Hiorns is Working to Save Japan’s Bear Population

Amelia Hiorns has one of the most unusual jobs in Japan. As a member of the Picchio Wildlife Research Center’s Bear Team, she works with black bears, Karelian bear dogs, and humans, all in an effort to promote wildlife conservation.

The Japanese Village That Inspired Steve Jobs

Tsubame-Sanjo is one of Japan’s leading metalworking hubs, boasting time-honored craftsmanship that has caught the eye of many big-name manufacturers, including Apple.

Tokyo Midtown Yaesu: The City's Trendy New Dining/Shopping Spot

This new complex boasts high-end shops, gastronomic delights, prime office space and the first Japan outpost of Bulgaria Hotel.

Onomichi: The Japan Inland Sea Town That Saved Its Own Life, Part II

The second part of a series on a Japanese town and the citizens that have used innovative sustainable lifestyle choices to revitalize the community for residents and visitors.

Small Spaces, Part IV: Japanese Ideas for Small and Tiny Homes

The fourth of a series on innovative, space-saving methods from traditional and modern Japanese architecture that can be used in any home, regardless of size.

Small Spaces, Part III: Japanese Ideas for Small and Tiny Homes

The third of a series on innovative, space saving methods from Japanese architecture that can be used in any home. The theme is bringing the exterior into the interior to broaden horizons.

Learning to Make Japan's Most Durable Washi Paper

The Kaminosato Museum in Hitachiomiya has a gallery of products made with Nishinouchi Washi and offers workshops for visitors who want to try their hand at papermaking or learn more.

A Fresh Fashion Twist on Vintage Kimono

A young Japan-based Australian designer is reconstructing vintage kimono into bespoke garments.

Okinawa's Top 5 Wellness Oils: Nature's Best-kept Secrets

Introducing some lesser known essential oils of the island of Okinawa, where the locals have long known that health is a harmonic state of body, mind and spirit.

Small Spaces, Part II: Japanese Ideas for Small and Tiny Homes

The second of a series on innovative, space-saving methods from traditional and modern Japanese architecture that can be used in any home, regardless of size.

JAPAN MASTERY COLLECTION: Showcasing Japan’s regional luxury brands

The Japan Mastery Collection has been opened at Haneda Airport Terminal 3 last year. The collection features garments, artworks, household items, and other products that represent the refined skills, and history of different regions across Japan.

Sleep in Comfort in Beds made with Japanese Craftsmanship

Nihon Bed has a long commitment to crafting quality beds, and its mattresses and frames are found at the most luxurious accommodations throughout Japan.

Discover Japanese Woodwork Traditions at Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum

This Kobe museum features the traditions and technology of Japanese carpentry and tool artisanship that are used in buildings from simple tea houses to complex temple designs.

Small Spaces, Part 1: Japanese Ideas for Small and Tiny Homes

Innovative, space-saving methods from traditional and modern Japanese architecture that can be used in any home, regardless of size. The first of a series.

Onomichi: A Japanese Inland Sea Town That Saved Its Own Life

How sustainability efforts have remarkably revitalized the Inland Sea town of Onomichi by attracting new residents and tourists—with an emphasis on cycling.

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