TRAVEL
Why This Shinto Shrine Near Sendai Airport is Drawing Inbound Tourists
It doesn't have the same cultural heft as other shrines. So why are tourists to Japan flocking to this shrine near Sendai…
Tohoku
TRAVEL
FOOD
This City Proudly Remains The Ramen Capital of Japan for a Third Year
Who downs the most ramen per capita in Japan? An annual report from Japan's government crowns a repeat winner.
SOCIETY
One Week After Bear Occupation, Japanese Supermarket Finally Reopens
An Itoku supermarket in Akita City finally re-opened after a bear invaded and occupied it for over two days. While residents are…
CULTURE
Morioka’s Sansa Odori Festival Dances the Demon Away
It's a must see event if you'll be in Japan in August. Learn about the history and tradition behind the Morioka Sansa…
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
Pop-Up Cafe That Supports Stutterers Makes Rounds in Japan
Learn about a new and unique popup cafe that aims to employ and advocate for people with speech impediments in Japan.
CULTURE
Mihara Ryōkichi: The Kokeshi Dolls Savior
The story of one prolific folklorist's lifelong quest to save Miyagi Prefecture's handicrafts, history, and folktales.
SOCIETY
In Japan’s North, The Bears Are Now Visiting the Train Station
Depopulation in Japan means more abandoned land - and that means the bears in the Tohoku region are getting bolder.
CULTURE
Namahage: In Japan’s Akita, Demons Ring in the New Year
The namahage are wild, Krampus-like New Year's mountain gods of Akita Prefecture. But what's the story behind the horns and straw coats?