Blog

Explore the island of Shodoshima, famous for its olives, soy sauce, temple pilgrimage, and beautiful coastlines.
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April 22, 2025
Shodoshima: The Mediterranean of Japan

Often called the Mediterranean of Japan, the island...

As Japanese culture continues to change with time, the iconic kimono has taken on new life through upcycling initiatives.
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April 22, 2025
Kimono Upcycling: Giving New Life to Japan's Iconic Attire

Once worn as day-to-day attire, today the kimono...

Exploring Osaka's Kitchen with Food Curator Yoko
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March 19, 2025
Exploring Osaka's Kitchen with Japanese Food Curator, Yoko

We've partnered with the wonderful team over at...

Gyotaku, the traditional Japanese art of ink printing fish
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March 19, 2025
Gyotaku: The Precursor to Trophy Fish Photos

Gyotaku, the art of ink printing fish, is...

Wasei Eigo, Japanese words adopted from Western cultures
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March 19, 2025
Wasei Eigo: A Unique Take on English

Known by many names including Japanese English, Japanified...

Okinawan shisa (guardian lion/ dog) on a rooftop with clear blue sky in the background
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March 07, 2025
Kugani Kutuba: Okinawan Wisdom Through Uchinaaguchi Proverbs

Uchinaaguchi, the indigenous language of Okinawa, has a...

Display of yachimun pottery plates and dishes featuring blue, white, and brown glazes
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March 06, 2025
Yachimun: Wonderful and Whimsical Okinawan Pottery

Dating back to the days of the Ryukyu...

Mother smiling and hold her baby in the air
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March 05, 2025
The Kira Kira Name Trend: Unusual Baby Names in Japan

What's in a name? The kira-kira name trend...

A girl is relaxing and listening to music with headphones
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March 05, 2025
The Art of Atmosphere: Kankyo Ongaku, Japan's Environmental Music

Kankyo ongaku, or "environment music," is a serene...

The artwork of the front and back of the new F series paper bills for Japan's yen, issued in 2024, are displayed on a table.
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February 25, 2025
Beyond the Bills: The Iconic Imagery of Japanese Yen Past and Present

Explore the iconic imagery of Japanese banknotes past...

A couple wearing traditional Japanese wedding attire exchange rings during a wedding ceremony.
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February 25, 2025
The Evolving Landscape of Japanese Wedding Traditions

Modern Japanese weddings blend traditional Shinto practices with...

Blood type theory (called ketsuekigata in Japanese) is a cultural phenomenon in Japan. It's said that your blood type can reflect in everything from personality and person strengths to relationships and luck!
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February 25, 2025
Personality Runs Deep: Japan’s Blood Type Theory

While many western countries believe in astrology, a...