All About Japan

A Fresh Fashion Twist on Vintage Kimono

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

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.

Simple Quiz Helps Find Your Ideal Saké

New Japan-based startup Kurashu is looking to help people break into the world of sake with a novel recommendation system and a web shop selling a curated collection of small-batch sake.

The Perfect Weekend Tour of Fukuoka City

A long-time resident shares her knowledge of mouth-watering local food spots, great shopping and open green space in one of Japan's most fascinating regional capitals.

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!

My Perfect Weekend in the City of Sapporo

Delaina Miyazaki shares her unique insider perspective on how to really make the most of a weekend in her adopted hometown of Sapporo

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?

Japan's "Table" Sake Is Anything but Ordinary

Learn how to spot the treasures hidden in futsushu--the “table wine” of the sake world!

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.

Good Reads: A Passion for Japan

In this new book, 31 foreigners who have made Japan their long-term home share their passions, from sumo to baseball, traditional festivals, martial arts, the tea ceremony, and many more.

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.

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.

Meet One of Tokyo's Coolest Neighborhoods: Meguro

Coffee culture, antiques . . . even a Pig Cafe: Tokyo's Meguro is definitely worth a train stop.

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.

4 Japanese Craft Whisky Distilleries that Should Be on Your Radar

A long-time expert on Japanese alcoholic drinks introduces some unforgettable craft whiskies, and their place of origin.

10 Japanese Craft Beers You Must Know (Drink!)

Excellent craft beers are springing up from small breweries all over Japan. Choosing just ten is an impossible task, but we've given it a shot.

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.

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.

Japanese Sword Expert Paul Martin and his "Demon Slayer" Project

Paul Martin is the first foreigner recognized as a Japanese sword expert by the Japanese Government and the first foreigner to be appointed as a trustee for a major Japanese sword craftsman's public foundation.

6 of Japan's YouTubers that Will Have You Hooked

These Japan-based Youtubers have become global phenomenons, with a spicy mix of day-in-the-life stories, travel tips, and plenty of insight into all things Japanese. Find out why they're being watched by millions of fans worldwide.

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