architecture

BOOK REVIEWS

“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…

CULTURE

Japanese Pagoda: Their History and Significance

We all know the striking image of a multi-tiered Japanese pagoda. But what exactly are they? And what are they called in…

LIVING IN JAPAN

New Harajuku Station Leaves People Pining for Its Predecessor

Many people aren't happy with the new Harajuku Station building. But why? For many, it seems, it was more than a mere…

FEATURED

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.

FEATURED

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.

HISTORY

Shuri Castle: The History of a Cultural Landmark

A look at the history of Shuri Castle and its significance as a cultural landmark following its tragic destruction in a massive…

CULTURE

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…