CULTURE
Japan’s “Mermaid Mummy” Finally Identified via New Research
A team of researchers set out to discover the true identity of a "mermaid mummy" enshrined in a Japanese temple. The result?
religion
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CULTURE
JAPANESE LANGUAGE
Japan’s Hot New Buzzwords Tell the Story of 2022
The hottest new words and phrases of 2022 tell a story of political and economic upheaval, as well as a tale of…
POLITICS
Mounting Contention Over State Funeral for Slain Abe Shinzo
The Japanese public remains polarized over plans for a rare state funeral in honor of recently assassinated former prime minister Abe Shinzo.
HISTORY
Iidesan, Fukushima’s Odd Border: Gods, Mountains, Lines in the Sand
In western Fukushima Prefecture, an odd salient of territory extends, wedged between Niigata and Yamagata Prefectures. So why is it there?
HISTORY
The Sacred Peaks: An Introduction to the Dewa Sanzan
Learn about the Dewa Sanzan, the three mountains that are the pride of Japan's north - and a deeply spiritual site for…
LIVING IN JAPAN
Appreciating the Moon in Japan, Land of the Rising Sun
Although Japan is the land of the rising sun, with its indigenous religion centering around the sun goddess, we cannot overlook the…
FEATURED
Tsukimi (月見), The Season of Moon Viewing
Tsukimi, the season of moon viewing, starts next week in Japan. Learn more about this day's origins, how to make Tsukimi Dumplings,…
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…