The Secrets of the Daruma Doll
The Daruma doll symbolizes good luck and perseverance in modern-day Japan. But how did a tumbler toy come to have such cultural significance, and what are the reasons behind its peculiar customs?
750 Years of Soy Sauce Tradition
With a tradition dating back more than seven centuries, Yuasa soy sauce has taken to the tables of Europe's finest restaurants.
Photos from Japan to You
Ranging from skin care and shoes to kimono and charms from shrines, blogger and model Matsu-you* introduces her favorite aspects of Japan for the G7 Japan 2016 Ise-Shima Photography Contest.
10 Stealthy Ninja Tools You Haven't Heard Of
Other than the classic ninja star, or shuriken as it's known in Japan, there were many tools ninja kept on-hand to thwart their enemies—and some of them will surprise you!
Happy Ninja Day!
So what’s so special about February 22 in Japan? And what's the connection with Ninja?
Akiu Crafts Park in Miyagi
Get a hands-on experience with nine different tradition crafts from Miyagi Prefecture.
These Charms are Simply, Well, Charming!
A Buddhist temple in Tokyo has taken it upon itself to customize charms that are then blessed by a priest.
The Secrets of Japanese School Lunch
If you've ever taught at a Japanese elementary school, this video is sure to bring back memories!
December in Japan
From Nikko and Tokyo to Kyoto, Miyajima and more, the cold temperatures didn't stop these travelers from checking out the best of Japan.
5 Nostalgic 'Dagashi' Treats
Cheap 'dagashi' snacks were produced for a time when kids used to count their pocket money instead of their Facebook likes. And they're still kicking!
Learn Japanese Calligraphy at Your Hotel
This workshop at the Shiba Park Hotel covers a single basic but fun point: how to write your name in katakana, hiragana and phonetic kanji. Best of luck with your brush technique!
Bringing Japanese Food Culture to the World
Highlighting Japan sat with Food Industry Affairs Bureau Director-General Masayuki Yamashita to talk about MAFF's global strategy following UNESCO's recognition of Japanese cuisine as an element of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013.
Download Japan’s 72 Microseasons as an App
The traditional Japanese calendar had 72 microseasons. This gorgeous app will not only tell you the season, but also poetically give you the seasonal word, fish, vegetable and activity!
10 Days of Japanese Public School Lunch
Japanese Food Teaching English
After detailed investigation, The Japan Guy has determined that Japanese public school lunches beat the pants off the lunches at his elementary school back home.
Brush Up on Your Japanese Buddhism Knowledge
Impress your friends by showcasing your knowledge of the differences between Japan's two main religions, Shinto and Buddhism—or wow them with the origin of those cute, one-eyed, red 'daruma' dolls.
Take the Path of Faith to Discover Nature
Temples & Shrines The Wonder 500
Rediscover yourself in mystical places deep in the mountains.
Unwinding in Nagato-shi
Discover a gorgeous traditional inn located in this peaceful Yamaguchi city, then visit the largest limestone cave in the Orient.
Why Japan Loves Fish
Food culture expert Takeo Koizumi explains exactly why fish are so central to Japanese cuisine culture.
4 Essential Pieces of Ninja Gear
In the world of fiction, ninja climb like Spider-man and toss out weapons like they've got bottomless Bat-utility belts. But how much was real, and how much is modern embellishment? A look at their gear will help us find out!
A Photographer's Eye on Japanese Folk Arts
Yusuke Nishimura photographs the unknown world of Japanese performing folk arts.
