HISTORY
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…
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HISTORY
HISTORY
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…
HISTORY
The Last Daimyo: The Life of Hayashi Tadataka
Amidst the backdrop of World War II's start, one last survivor of the old Edo period order died. Who was Hayashi Tadataka,…
FOOD
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…
HISTORY
Saigo Takamori: Hero of the Meiji Restoration
How the "last samurai" Saigo Takamori escaped exile and changed Japan forever - before he rebelled against the new state he helped…
FEATURED
Saigo Takamori: The Making of a Legend
Saigo Takamori would ultimately tear down the samurai system he so dearly loved. But first, he had to survive an ordeal that…
HISTORY
The Last Samurai: Enomoto Takeaki and the Warrior Democracy of Ezo
The story of the samurai who fought the rise of modern Japan to the end - and who, when all else failed,…
WOMEN
Yamamoto Yae: The Warrior Woman Who Never Stopped Serving
From defending castles to outraging society, Yamamoto Yae never met a battle she didn't pick. Alyssa Fusek on one of Japan's most…