Essay

SOCIETY

‘Michi no Eki’ Offer More Than A Place to Park Your Car!

Michi no Eki are Japanese roadside stations that offer more than parking and toilets. They also engage in various support initiatives!

HISTORY

Iidesan, Fukushima’s Odd Border: Gods, Mountains, Lines in the Sand

In western Fukushima Prefecture, an odd salient of territory extends, wedged between Niigata and Yamagata Prefectures. So why is it there?

JAPANESE LANGUAGE

Using Japanese Drama to Learn Japanese

Learn how to use Japanese dramas to effectively study and improve Japanese comprehension, listening, and speaking skills.

BOOK REVIEWS

“Of Arcs and Circles” Contemplates Gardens, Nature, and Life Itself

"When people no longer need things, or if they hate them, they destroy them... If people love things however, they care for…

HISTORY

Kyushu’s Samurai Vaccinators: The Fight Against Smallpox in Late Edo Japan

Faced with an epidemic, a forward-thinking group of doctors and samurai leaders launched a successful vaccination campaign in late Edo Japan.

ESSAY

Read Japanese Books with the Listening-Reading Method

Want to read Japanese books and novels? We outline a method to help get you started - and build your Japanese listening…

FOOD

Osechi Ryori: History, Meanings, and How to Prepare

Osechi ryori is Japan's traditional New Year's cuisine. How did this tradition begin, and what do all the different foods symbolize?

FOOD

Five Japanese Cocktails That’ll Make You Feel Like You’re in Ginza

Got a hankering for some luxurious Japanese cocktails, but can't get to Ginza? These recipes should do the trick.