HISTORY
The Meiji Government’s Failed Attempt to Ban Cremation
With the end of the age of the samurai, the new Meiji government set off to curb any sign of "barbarity" within…
meiji era
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HISTORY
CULTURE
Hajichi: The Banned Traditional Tattoos of Okinawa
These tattoos, native to the Ryukyuan people, were once banned from being practiced. Now, they're making a comeback.
FEATURED
Japan’s Schindler: How Sugihara Chiune Saved Thousands Of Jewish Refugees
The story of how a Japanese diplomat went against the dictates of his own government in order to issue Jewish refugees with…
HISTORY
The Japanese Who Came to Call Brazil Home
Why are there so many Brazilian-Japanese in Japan? The answer goes back to the Meiji era, and the government's need to get…
JAPANESE LANGUAGE
Japanese Writing: The 80-Year Battle for “Genbun Itchi”
How did written Japanese come into accord with the spoken language? A short history of the movement to bring Japanese writing to…
CULTURE
Japan Isn’t a Painting in a Museum
Why Westerners who treat Japanese culture as a finished, unchanging product need to learn more about Japanese history - and about life…
FOOD
Japanese Kitchen Knives: Like Katanas for Your Kitchen
Why are Japanese kitchen knives so popular? Learn the history behind the blades - and how to buy one that's right for…
CULTURE
Ancestral Ainu Remains Returned by Tokyo University
A long fight by Japan's indigenous Ainu results in a hard-won victory - but much more remains to be done.