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Enka Music: From Political Protest to Cultural Tradition

How a form of political protest music came to be regarded as an art form that captures "the heart of Japan."

Manhole Covers: Japan’s Unique Art Trend

They're expensive, colorful, and have their own devoted fan following. Learn how Japan's manhole covers have crossed over from utilitarian objects to objects of art.

Furuta Junko: The Horrific Murder That Tested Japan

How the case of Furuta Junko led Japan's press to break the rules, and citizens to question the country's juvenile criminal law.

Ninja in Japan: The Reality Behind The Popular Depiction

How accurately do movies, cartoons, and games portray the ninja of Japan? Not very. Learn about the true tradition of the ninja.

Visual Kei in Japan: The Freedom to Describe Yourself

How a music-fueled rebellion against conformity and fixed gender roles became a significant cultural movement in Japan - and why some people are still trying to keep it alive.

Why Some Westerners in Japan Never Learn Japanese

How a casual tweet promoting an author's new book about Japan blew up into a discussion of Western privilege and Orientalism.

Blood Oaths and Seppuku: The “Beautiful Death” of Author Mishima Yukio

What drove one of Japan's most acclaimed authors to raise a personal militia, and take a high-ranking general hostage in an attempted nationalist coup d'état?

The Hyakki: Japan’s Frightful Night Parade of Demons

How did Japan's "parade of demons" get its start? Learn about the history behind the creatures who haunt some of Japan's most popular games and anime.

Burakumin: Japan’s Hounded “Untouchables”

While Japan has no formal caste system today, one "underclass" still finds itself routinely hounded and persecuted.

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