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Banei Racing

Banei Racing: Hokkaido’s Stubborn Settler Sport of Strength and Spirit

Hokkaido's fascinating Banei Racing, where massive draft horses pull weighted sleighs up slopes, is an intriguing remnant of a colonial history.
Kwaidan showcases the Japanese tradition of horror stories.

Kwaidan: A Filmic Venture into Uncanny Japan

Eerie and beautiful, Kwaidan is the perfect introduction to the classic ghost stories of Japan. Further revelations await those who look deeper into its dark mirror.
Dual tornadoes strike the Izu islands in Japan.

Tornadoes in Japan: A Rotating Rarity?

Tornadoes are far from the first natural disaster one thinks of in association with Japan - yet they occur more often than you may realize.
An illustrated samurai stands eats an apple in front of an orchard

Samurai Cultivator: The Birth of Modern Apple Cultivation in Japan

Apples, such as the delectable fuji, are ubiquitous in Japan. Yet cultivation of the fruit began relatively recently - during the waning days of the samurai.
Woman with headphones and cell phone

Pass the JLPT! How to Study for the JLPT Listening Section

The JLPT listening section can be challenging, especially for those living outside of Japan. Here's what you should know to ace the test.
A lesser known Japanese zoku, Karasu zoku

Three Lesser Known Japanese Zoku: Film, Music, and Fashion

The literal definition of the Japanese suffix "-zoku" translates to "tribe". However, it takes on a more nebulous meaning when describing subcultures in modern and contemporary Japan.

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