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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.

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.

Japanese Geisha and Maiko: From Past to Present

Dispelling some of the myths around traditional geisha and maiko, and understanding the training, history, and evolution of geisha from the past to today.

Saigo Takamori: The Making of a Legend

Saigo Takamori would ultimately tear down the samurai system he so dearly loved. But first, he had to survive an ordeal that nearly killed him.

The Indigenous Ryukyu People of Okinawa

Discover the history of the indigenous Ryukyu people, the culture that inhabited Okinawa before it was ever even a part of Japan.

How Agnes Chow Made Herself Fluent in Japanese

How did Agnes Chow Ting, Hong Kong's "Goddess of Democracy," get so good at Japanese? The answer: self-study, anime, and sheer necessity.

Blackface in Japan: Its History – And Its Consequences

A look at the unfortunate (and continuing) history of blackface in Japan - and a discussion with black residents in Japan on how it impacts them.

Ama-San: A Look at Japan’s Female Free Divers

Learn about the culture, skills, and economic developments of the ama-san, a dying culture of sea-faring women with historic roots.

Japanese Alcoholic Drinks: The Complete Guide

There's so much more to Japanese alcoholic drinks than sake and whisky. And this book gives a complete guided tour.

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