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Prime Minister Uno Sosuke superimposed in front of image representing geisha Nakanishi Mitsuko, who has a black bar in front of her eyes.

The Geisha Who Took Down a Prime Minister

In 1989, Uno Sลsuke burst onto the scene as the new prime minister of Japan. Only 69 days later, he'd resign - and all because of a geisha named Nakanishi Mitsuko.
painted background feating the American civil war. Text reads "how the samurai saw the U.S. Civil War."

How the Samurai Saw the U.S. Civil War

When the U.S. Civil War broke out in 1861, samurai still ruled Japan. How did the samurai - recently forced into trade with the US and on the cusp of their own war - react?
Oda Nobunaga

441 Years Since Honnล-ji: The Downfall of Oda Nobunaga

What happened on the fateful night of June 21st, 1582, that caused one of Oda Nobunaga's faithful retainers to turn on him?
Modern Girl of the Taisho Era

Moga: Japan’s “Modern Girl” of the Taisho Era

She was a symbol of prewar prosperity - and controversy. How the "modern girl" of Japan's roaring 1920s defined a new path for women.
A illustration of a Japanese man with headlight on head and armed with a gun and bladed weapons strides past a red background. Text reads "Japan's Proto-incel incident: The Tsuyama Massacre."

Was The Tsuyama Massacre Japan’s First Proto-Incel Incident?

In 1938, a disaffected young man stalked his mountain village, killing dozens of his neighbors. Was the Tsuyama Massacre the first incel mass murder?
Japanese musical comedies

The Forgotten Era of Japan’s Musical Comedy Films

Musical comedies dominated the screen in Japan's pre-war and post-war eras. Here are some classics for your viewing pleasure.
A illustrated 1920s Japanese woman holds a beer next to a era-styled title reading "did Japan almost have prohibition?"

Did Japan Nearly Have its Own Prohibition Era?

Japan has a noted drinking culture. Yet, as Japan modernized, a surprising number embraced the foreign concept of alcohol prohibition.
Odaiba

How Odaiba Got its “O”: A Brief Tokyo History

The island of Odaiba is one of Tokyo's major landmarks. Not long ago, however, it didn't even exist. Discover Tokyo history rising from the depths.
Train

Sendai Unearths Old Meiji-Era Transportation History

Tsunami recovery efforts in Sendai have unearthed a canal relay station and a point of local transit history.

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