HISTORY
How Japan’s Oldest Toilet Went Down the Crapper
How an unfortunate gear shift led to one worker at a Japanese temple accidentally taking out a historically significant toilet.
kyoto
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HISTORY
NEWS
Abuse in the Geisha World: Former Maiko Speaks Out
A former apprentice geisha at a Kyoto geisha house has created a flurry of online activity after describing abuses in the traditional…
HISTORY
How Sakura Blossoms Gained Cultural Significance in Japan
The sakura (cherry blossom) is practically synonymous with Japan. Here's a deeper look at the history of this fascinating flower's popularity
LIVING IN JAPAN
Ranking Japan’s Best Cities for Immigrants
Perhaps it's surprising, or perhaps not—but when you weigh all of these factors, Tokyo is not the winner.
HISTORY
Queer Echoes: Koike Chikyoku, Unlikely Warrior Artist
The story of a little-know artist-turned-warrior during the waning days of the samurai -- and who just might have been a queer…
CULTURE
Japanese Pagoda: Their History and Significance
We all know the striking image of a multi-tiered Japanese pagoda. But what exactly are they? And what are they called in…
JAPANESE LANGUAGE
And the Japanese Kanji for the Year of 2020 is…
What one Japanese ideograph best represents the year of COVID-19? Learn more about the winning kanji - and the runner-ups.
TRAVEL
Don’t Miss Out on Japan’s Five Most Charming Prefectures
A 2020 survey reveals the most charming prefectures in Japan according to locals. Is your favorite amongst the top five?