FOOD
Nekomanma: The “Ill-Mannered” Japanese Food That Used to be a Commonfolk Staple
Is pouring miso soup onto rice bad manners? It is in modern Japan. But this "cat food" was a commoner staple for…
Edo era
FOOD
HISTORY
Tokugawa Ieyasu: Japan’s Most Cutthroat Health Nut?
Japan's most ruthless and efficient ruler believed a good diet was the key to success. Here's how he kept his edge, according…
HISTORY
Shinjuku: The History and Origins of the World’s Biggest Nightlife District
The world's largest nightlife district, Shinjuku is nearly synonymous with Tokyo itself - yet wasn't even part of old Tokyo. Where do…
TRAVEL
Edo-Tokyo Museum Finally Set to Reopen in March 2026
One of Tokyo's most beloved and culturally significant museums is finally set to reopen to the public on March 31st.
HISTORY
Mount Fuji Eruption: The 1707 Disaster and Next Big One
What happened the last time the famed Mt. Fuji erupted? Learn about the Hoei Eruption, and the great crisis it caused during…
JAPANESE LANGUAGE
McDonald’s Japan Runs Ad in Forged Edo-Era Script of the Gods
McDonald's Japan's latest social media ad campaign harkens back to claims that Japan had a pre-Chinese writing system.
TRAVEL
GACKT: Japan Should Return to Isolationism, Maybe
Singer-songwriter GACKT appears to have the solution for overtourism: return the country to isolationism.
TRAVEL
Tourists Love Koedo Kawagoe – and The City Doesn’t Know Why
Koedo Kawagoe's Edo-era charm is attracting more tourists than ever better - but the city is at a loss to explain its…