BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
As COVID-19 Spikes, Otoshidama Go Cashless in Japan
Thanks to COVID-19, the Japanese custom of otoshidama is going the cashless route this year - and some people couldn't be more…
tradition
Page 6
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
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…
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
The Lesser-Known Festivals of Japan: Dangerous Edition
Bamboo battles, precarious log rides, and a literal firefight make up three festivals in Japan that'll get your blood pumping - but…
CULTURE
The Lesser-Known Festivals of Japan: Scary Edition
These festivals in Japan may not be as well known as some of their counterparts, but they're guaranteed to send a chill…
CULTURE
Japan’s Disappearing Home Buddhist Altars
They're still a staple in movies and anime. But in reality, 60% of Japanese homes lack an ancestral altar. What's driving the…
FEATURED
Japanese Geisha and Maiko: From Past to Present
Dispelling some of the myths around traditional geisha and maiko, and understanding the training, history, and evolution of geisha from the past…
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
Cashless Donations at Buddhist Temples on the Rise
More and more Buddhist templates are supplementing donation boxes with cashless donation systems - a trend that has some in Japan's Buddhist…