Essay

Review: Takaoka’s Travels – This Surrealist Pilgrimage Delights and Disturbs

A new English translation of Takaoka's Travels by Japanese author Shibusawa Tatsuhiko is a funny, fantastical fever dream.

To Kill a Shogun: The Sad Tale of Minamoto no Sanetomo

April 30, 2024
Essay, History, History

In 1219, the shogun Minamoto no Sanetomo, samurai lord of all Japan, was slain on the steps of Tsurugaoka Shrine in Kamakura, killed by his own nephew in cold blood. Who was Sanetomo - and why was he assassinated?

Review: Shogun Is Great TV – But It’s Not About Colonialism

The 2024 Shogun TV series stacks up pretty well to history, says a Japanese historian - but the surrounding conversation around "colonialism" is ridiculous.

At This Japanese Gym, You Can Sing Karaoke and Wash Your Laundry

Want to get in some reps but also need to do your laundry AND belt out some karaoke hits? Good news! This gym in Japan's got you covered.

New Furikake Debate: Is Bringing Your Own Rice Topping to School “Rude”?

One school in Hyogo Prefecture now lets kids bring their own furikake (rice topping) to school - and some people in Japan are appalled.

Review: Godzilla Minus One is a Monster Disappointment

Godzilla is back for its first Japanese live-action film in seven years with a surprising post-war period piece. The question is, is it any good?

Five Japanese Horror Films for a Haunted Halloween

In the mood for the eerie world of Japanese horror this haunting season? Look no further than these five classic films.

The Kanto Massacre: A Story of Disinformation and Denialism

Rumors and disinformation sparked the Kanto Massacre in the wake of the Kanto Earthquake. Today, denialism continues to dishonor the victims.

Advanced Japanese Reading Practice with Side-by-Side Readers

Want to read Japanese newspapers or essays? Preparing for JLPT N1? Here's how to level up your Japanese game with side-by-side readers.

Essay

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