Nostalgic Trip to a Beloved Tokyo Neighborhood
The Shibamata neighborhood on the outskirts of Tokyo retains the essence of the city’s “everyman” past. An iconic films series has helped to preserve its charms.
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.
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.
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.
Making Herbal Tea at Oyakuen Medicine Garden
Herbs and other botanicals with healing properties have been used for medicinal purposes in Japan for centuries. I had a chance to learn more about the historical cultivation of such plants, and make my own blend for tea, at Oyaku-en in Aizu Wakamatsu.
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.
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
Why I Switched My Family’s Diet to Washoku
Ichiju-Sansai Healthy Japanese Food
Learn how one family made a big impact on their diet by switching to Japanese-style home cooking.
The Vibrant Island Art of Tanaka Isson
The Japanese painter Tanaka Isson fled mainland Japan for one of the country’s most beautiful southern islands—Amami Oshima. There he labored for years in obscurity, creating large, vivid artworks of his subtropical surroundings.
Swede Peo Ekberg is a Fair Trade Leader in Japan
Working in Japan Sustainable Development Goals
The Director of One Planet Cafe shares his insights on Fair Trade and why it's a win-win for everyone.
Osechi: The Festive Cuisine of New Year's Day
Japan's unique, colorful New Year dishes are part of the traditional celebration of this auspicious day. Here's the story behind the holiday and the dishes that are enjoyed throughout the country.
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!
A Fresh Fashion Twist on Vintage Kimono
A young Japan-based Australian designer is reconstructing vintage kimono into bespoke garments.
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.
Meet One of Tokyo's Coolest Neighborhoods: Meguro
Coffee culture, antiques . . . even a Pig Cafe: Tokyo's Meguro is definitely worth a train stop.
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.
Japan's "Table" Sake Is Anything but Ordinary
Learn how to spot the treasures hidden in futsushu--the “table wine” of the sake world!
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.
Make Your Own Japanese Fruit Sandwiches
A café staple for years, the fruit sandwich (furutsu sando) is back in the news, as new gourmet versions have caught the attention of sweet lovers. Here's a primer on making your own at home.
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.
