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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Japan's Open Air Folk House Museum: Fascinating, Photogenic, Foreigner-Friendly
Historic homes and rural lifestyles are the focus of this sprawling outdoor museum near Tokyo.
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.
Meet One of Tokyo's Coolest Neighborhoods: Meguro
Coffee culture, antiques . . . even a Pig Cafe: Tokyo's Meguro is definitely worth a train stop.
Osaka Contest for Mini-Gardens on Small Trucks
The Kei-tora Gardening Contest has chosen its winner for 2020. Click to see which mini-truck garden received to top prize.
Japan's Amazing DIY Superstores: From Cheap Urban Farming to Building a Home
Information Local Creators' Market
DIY has always been big in Japan. Now a number of stores cater to the creative in all of us, whether its gardening, interior renovation, crafts or even building your own house.
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.
Get Your Hands on the Ultimate Hand-Drawn Maze
The artist called Papa has once again picked up his pen in an attempt to outdo himself, creating one of the most challenging yet beautiful mazes we've seen.
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 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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
