history

HISTORY

The Snow Monkeys of Japan: A Fascinating History

They were a part of Japanese folklore for centuries before they enjoyed international fame. Learn more about Japan's snow monkeys.

LAW & CRIME

Nevada-Tan: Japan’s Murderer Turned Internet Trend

Her case made national headlines - and became a cult sensation. What happened to "Nevada-tan"? And how has the victim's family coped?

HISTORY

Stronger than the Wave: Five Southern Tohoku Folk Traditions

The Tohoku region's endured a lot over the past 200 years. How five rich folk traditions capture the durability and diversity of…

LIVING IN JAPAN

Kotatsu: Japan’s Way of Staying Warm in Winter

It's kept Japan warm for over 500 years. So why is it disappearing from Japanese homes? A short history of the kotatsu…

SOCIETY

Danchi-Dwellers and Office Denizens: Two More Lesser-Known Tribes of Japan

How post-WWII economics and office culture created two communities whose existence isn't well-known outside of Japan.

FEATURED

Coffee in Japan: A Short, Tasty History

Did you know canned coffee is a Japanese invention? Learn how coffee went from foreign luxury to everyday staple in Japan.

HISTORY

Mercenaries of Global Terror: Shigenobu Fusako and the Japanese Red Army

Shigenobu Fusako vowed to take the Japanese Red Army global. Her mission ended with dozens of innocent deaths.

HISTORY

Banei Racing: Hokkaido’s Stubborn Settler Sport of Strength and Spirit

Hokkaido's fascinating Banei Racing, where massive draft horses pull weighted sleighs up slopes, is an intriguing remnant of a colonial history.