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…
religion
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HISTORY
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…
LGBTQ
Japan’s Buddhist World Slowly Opens Up to LGBT+ Citizens
Japan's conservative Buddhist community hasn't always been accepting of sexual minorities - but things are changing for the better.
PATREON
Aum Shinrikyo and The Parallels to Donald Trump
An incident involving Japanese cult Aum Shinrikyo bears an uncanny resemblance to the US 2020 election.
ENTERTAINMENT
Faith Healing Husband of Japanese Celeb Raises Eyebrows
A popular announcer in Japan and her husband, who lays claim to mystic healing powers, spark concern with their recent YouTube videos.
CULTURE
Yasukuni Shrine: Founded in War, Haunted By Controversy
How Yasukuni Shrine, a shrine to commemorate Japan's fallen soldiers, became a politically-charged breeding ground for controversy.
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…
CULTURE
Shinto’s Heart: The Unique Architecture of Japan’s “God Havens”
How did the homes of the gods of Japan's native religion take shape? A look at Shinto architecture - and its outsized…