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Ukiyo-e: The Floating World of Edo Japan

From beautiful bijinga to scandalous shunga, a history of the evolution of Ukiyo-e, and how it changed the world of Edo Period Japan.

Holidays in Japan: The Complete Guide

Japan ranks seventh worldwide for most public holidays. Learn about all the official (and a few unofficial) holidays in Japan and how they're celebrated.

Japanese Language Classes are Awesome. Here’s How to Start

Thanks to the Internet, Japanese language classes are within most everyone's reach. Learn how they can help improve your Japanese.

Underground: The Stories of Japan’s Sarin Attack Victims

How the Murakami Haruki book UNDERGROUND captured the impact of the Tokyo sarin subway attack on survivors.

Japanese Banks: A Guide for Foreign Residents

Why foreign residents and local business experts alike find Japanese banks dated - and how it's changing (slowly) for the better.

What Japan’s Thinking: February 2020

What do people in Japan think about Abe's latest scandal, the advent of casinos, the novel coronavirus and other topics? Find out in our member exclusive!

The Tragedy of the Ehime Maru

How an avoidable tragedy strained relations between Japan and the US - and how the families of those lost struggled to cope with the aftermath.

Kyoto: A Brief History of a Timeless City

Learn about the history and tradition behind the temples and shrines that make up Japan's largest cultural tourist attraction.

Jigokudani: A Look at Japan’s Volcanic “Hell Valleys”

A look at how Japan's two most prominent religions' versions of hell shaped the story of its iconic jigokudani, or "hell valleys."

Essay

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