Essay

Stranded: Edo Era Castaways in the Russian Empire

In the Edo era, when setting foot on foreign soil was punishable by death, 16 castaways risked it all in an epic tale that brought two empires together.

Her Voice: Japanese Women Have Always Shone

Japan's government says it wants women to shine. But a working Japanese mom argues they always have: Japanese men - including her own husband - just refuse to admit it.

The Feminist Movement in Japan: Meiji to World War II

Learn about the early history of the feminist movement in Japan, and how women went from being "daughters in boxes" to earning suffrage and liberty.

Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple: Where Spirituality Meets Art

Before you visit the enchanting Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, learn how the temple turned its own misfortune into a place of peace, spirituality, and art.

Japanese Writing: A History – Origins to Nara Era

How did the written Japanese language assume its current form? We look at the language's earliest written forms - Chinese kanji and manyogana.

Satsuma Rebellion: The Last Gasp of the Samurai

How Saigo Takamori led 30,000 samurai in the Satsuma Rebellion - a final, doomed mission against the modern government he helped create.

Underground: The Cult of Aum Shinrikyo

Author Murakami Haruki asked members of the Aum Shinrikyo cult what made them devote themselves to the group. Here are their answers.

Sake Cocktails: A Modern Take on a Traditional Beverage

How Japanese sake went from being a sacred drink reserved for the gods to a versatile beverage enjoyed for its own sake - and, recently, in yummy cocktails.

Will The Abe Government Survive COVID-19?

I look at the history of Abe Shinzo's reign - including his first failed term of office - and consider whether Abe can keep his good luck streak going.

Essay

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