All About Japan

Get Pottery 1,300 Years in the Making

Mino ware, or Mino 'yaki,' flourished in central Japan hand-in-hand with the rise of ikebana and tea ceremony. You can still get it today—and in fact, it now makes up half of all the pottery made in Japan!

Gifu Festival Celebrates 700 Years of Swords

Seki City in Gifu Prefecture has been forging samurai swords for over 700 years. On the second weekend of October every year, the Seki Cutlery Festival celebrates the region's long history of blade-making—and offers gorgeous works at discount prices!

These Aren't Your Average Origami

This Japanese Twitter user stunned us with his amazing origami skills by using only one single piece of paper to create elaborate animals and historical figures.

Know When (& How) to Fold Origami in Tokyo

If you're interested in learning how to make origami, there's no substitute for a quality instructor.

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.

An 8-Day Journey Through the 'Rising Dragon'

Travel through the 'Rising Dragon' region of Japan, where you'll find ancient shrines, exquisite gold leaf, top-ranked gardens, incredible festivals, panoramic mountain views, plus markets, museums, kabuki and more!

How to Make Lord of the Rings Origami

Check out these seven fantastic options for Lord of the Rings origami. We hope you've got One Ring to fold them all!

Make Your Own Beautiful Butterfly Origami

Butterfly origami has been around for hundreds of years, and it'll surely live on thanks to these five how-to videos on YouTube.

Origami You Can Wear Around Your Neck

Show off your love of Japan's traditional paper folding art by wearing an origami necklace or ring!

The History of Origami

Modern Japanese origami is actually heavily influenced by traditional European paper folding!

The Tomioka Silk Mill

Located in Gunma Prefecture, the Tomioka Silk Mill is a well-preserved symbol of modernization and international cooperation. It was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2014.

Get Crafty in Tohoku by Making 'Kokeshi'

Travel to Sendai and learn all about 'kokeshi,' the traditional wooden dolls that come from the Tohoku region, before getting a chance to make one of your very own!

Get a Guitar from a Ferrari Designer

Looking for a new guitar? How about one produced via the same techniques used to build Japanese temples, designed by a Ferrari designer?

UNESCO Sites in the Tokyo Area

Tokyo is great for food, shopping and relaxation. But you should know there are also a handful of stellar World Heritage Sites right in the area!

7 Outstanding Origami YouTube Channels

Looking to step beyond paper cranes, but not sure where to go? These seven origami channels offer a great selection that will take you to the next level and beyond!

Meet Orizuru: the First Flying Origami Crane

This folded paper bird is geared up and ready for take off!

Make These 11 Awesome Origami Dragons!

Want to know how to make an origami dragon? These videos will walk you through the steps, from basic to advanced—and beyond!

A New Kind of Seasonal Art Medium

Disney and Japanese anime are some of the inspirations for these transient masterpieces.

17 (Non-Otaku) Presents to Buy a Japan Fan

Looking for something for that Japan fan who's already got it all? We've got 17 suggestions!

5 Incredible Origami Rose Tutorials

Give your loved ones a bouquet of resplendent red roses (or whatever color you like) without breaking the bank!

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