FOOD
Vegetarian in Japan? Watch Out for the Fish Stock
While Japanese cuisine might seem vegetarian-friendly on the surface, one of its most common seasonings is fish-based and hard to spot.
buddhism
FOOD
RACE IN JAPAN
Fact Check: No, Muslims Aren’t Burning Down Japan’s Temples and Shrines
A common right-wing trope on Japanese social media alleges a Muslim-led arson wave in Japan that doesn't exist.
CULTURE
Why There’s an 11-Meter Goddess Inside This Tokyo Department Store
It's impossible to miss: a soaring goddess ensconced inside a paragon of capitalism. What inspired a sculptor to carve this mysterious figure…
TRAVEL
Bon Odori: Inside Japan’s Soulful Summer Dance Tradition
Every summer, neighborhoods and remote mountain villages across Japan ring with taiko, flute, and shuffling feet. Bon Odori is Japan's quietly extraordinary…
TRAVEL
More Than Matcha: A Guide to Uji, a Kyoto Travel Gem
Discover temples, tea culture, and hidden history just outside Kyoto.
TRAVEL
A Quick Guide to Japan’s Best Ancient Pilgrimage Trails
In contrast to Japan's big cities, the country's ancient pilgrimage trails offer a radically different (and quieter) experience.
CULTURE
Would You Live in a ‘Jiko Bukken’? Over Half in Japan Say Yes – If the Price Is Right
While such properties have long been stigmatized, attitudes may be changing as the cost of everything rises.
CULTURE
Setsubun: Japan’s Demon-Expelling Festival for Kids of All Ages
Demons out, luck in! How the festival of Setsubun evolved into a tradition enjoyed by kids across Japan every year.