ENTERTAINMENT
The Forgotten Era of Japan’s Musical Comedy Films
Musical comedies dominated the screen in Japan's pre-war and post-war eras. Here are some classics for your viewing pleasure.
history
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ENTERTAINMENT
FOOD
Dagashi: Japan’s Colorful, Nostalgic, Tasty Treats
Learn about dagashi, a staple of the Japanese candy scene since the Edo era, and how to try it out even if…
CULTURE
National Living Treasures: Japan’s Living Embodiments of Culture
How Japan's national living treasures preserve culture and the clever tactics - including Pokemon! - used to promote their work.
FOOD
Spam Onigiri: How Spam Migrated to Hawaii and Japan
How imperialism and war brought America's (in)famous pseudo-ham in a can to Hawaii, Okinawa, and - ultimately - all of Japan.
FOOD
Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki: From Adversity to Beloved Staple
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is a staple of Japanese cuisine. A short introduction to its postwar roots as an invention in difficult times.
NEWS
Japan-Invented Selfie Stick Turns 40 – But The First One Was a Failure
Selfie sticks are now ubiquitous. But did you know that the first one appeared on the scene in Japan way back in…
CULTURE
Mihara Ryōkichi: The Kokeshi Dolls Savior
The story of one prolific folklorist's lifelong quest to save Miyagi Prefecture's handicrafts, history, and folktales.
HISTORY
Did Japan Nearly Have its Own Prohibition Era?
Japan has a noted drinking culture. Yet, as Japan modernized, a surprising number embraced the foreign concept of alcohol prohibition.