history

JAPANESE LANGUAGE

These Uncommon Kanji May Surprise You!

Japan maintains an "official" list of kanji. But some "unofficial" kanji are also in common use - and chances are you know…

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…

CULTURE

Radio Taisō: A Nuanced History of a Nearly 100-Year-Old Tradition

It has its origins in life insurance and has even been a tool of colonialism. Learn about the long, complicated history of…

FOOD

Tsukudani: The Fishy Preserves that Saved a Shogun

June 29th is "Tsukudani Day," a minor holiday for the fish-and-seaweed dish. It's also the food that saved shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu's life.

TRAVEL

Yamanote Line: 10 Little-Known Facts

The Yamanote line is the beating heart of transportation for many in Tokyo. Here are some facts you may not know.

FOOD

This is Not a Croquette: How Japan Changed French Food

You say croquette, Japan says korokke. Our Japanese author looks at how staples of French cooking changed to suit her country's palette.

HISTORY

441 Years Since Honnō-ji: The Downfall of Oda Nobunaga

What happened on the fateful night of June 21st, 1582, that caused one of Oda Nobunaga's faithful retainers to turn on him?

CULTURE

Textiles of Battle: A Look at Japanese Wartime Propaganda Kimono

Were Japan's World War II-era kimonos depicting images of war a propaganda tool - or a natural outpouring of support?