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“Belle”: Hosoda Mamoru’s Fairy Tale for the VTuber Age

Internationally beloved director Hosoda Mamoru's new film, Belle, portrays the modern clash between online fame and anonymity - with some narrative hiccups.

Using Japanese Drama to Learn Japanese

Learn how to use Japanese dramas to effectively study and improve Japanese comprehension, listening, and speaking skills.
book cover of marc peter keane's of arcs and circles

“Of Arcs and Circles” Contemplates Gardens, Nature, and Life Itself

"When people no longer need things, or if they hate them, they destroy them... If people love things however, they care for them and make them last." (Of Arcs and Circles, p. 46)
samurai vaccine

Kyushu’s Samurai Vaccinators: The Fight Against Smallpox in Late Edo Japan

Faced with an epidemic, a forward-thinking group of doctors and samurai leaders launched a successful vaccination campaign in late Edo Japan.
Elderly drivers exchanging keys

With New Regulations, Japan Cracks Down on Elderly Drivers

This year, elderly drivers in Japan over age 75 with traffic violations must meet new requirements if they want to stay on the road.
Capybara in a yuzu bath

Yuzu Baths for Warding Off Colds (and Evil Spirits!)

Yuzu is a popular winter citrus fruit for more than its taste. Learn about the origin and benefits of relaxing yuzu baths!

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