How to Play 'Jan-Ken-Pon'
In Japan, paper-rock-scissors is known as 'jan-ken-pon.' Children here use it to decide virtually everything—and this means that if you're a schoolteacher, 'janken' is one of the very first skills you need to pick up!
How Akita Warms the Winter
See life in Akita through the eyes of elementary school students as this snowbound town prepares for its winter balloon festival. If you've ever lived in small-town Japan, we challenge you not to cry.
Portable Shrines of a Monstrous Proportion!
These giant portable monster shrines took over Ueno Park to dazzle and frighten all.
47 Souvenirs from All 47 Prefectures!
Traveling around Japan but don't know what souvenir to buy from each region? We've got you covered with this crazy list of our Top 47 'omiyage' from each of the nation's 47 prefectures!
Catch a Glimpse of Daily Life in Akita
Family and nature both feature prominently in this stirring glimpse of a day spent far away from the bright lights of Tokyo.
Top 6 Souvenirs to Take Home from Kyoto
Kyoto's deep history makes it one of the best places in Japan to find old-fashioned crafts and handmade goods you won't find anywhere else.
The Next Stage of Japan's Beloved Pancake
If you're a big fan of Japanese grilled dishes, you won't want to miss this 'teppanyaki' restaurant in Osaka that flips traditional 'okonomiyaki' on its head.
Navigating Souvenir Culture in Japan
The word 'omiyage' is often translated as 'souvenir.' But while the concept is similar, the idea of 'omiyage' goes much deeper than the coffee mugs, T-shirts and key chains most people from North America would imagine bringing back from a vacation.
