Japan has the oldest continuous monarchy in the world. According to mythology, the first Emperor of Japan, Emperor Jimmu, is…
Kabuki theater is a popular performance art that you can only see in Japan. It is performed by only male…
Japanese writing consists of three systems, kanji, hiragana, and katakana. Here's a simple overview of how the Japanese writing system…
Kimono are traditional Japanese clothes that used to be worn on a daily basis until western-style fashion came to Japan.…
Bento is the Japanese word for a meal served in a box. Bentos form an integral part of Japanese food…
The Japanese tea ceremony is called Chanoyu, Sado, or simply Ocha. It is a choreographed ritual of preparation and the…
Ukiyo-e is a famous form of visual art from Japan. Ukiyo-e works are woodblock prints that depict scenes from Edo-period…
In Japanese culture, it is important not to waste any food, and the onigiri (rice ball) is a great example…
Japan's traditional New Year's food osechi ryori has a long history that began in the Heian era, as back in…
Ramen became one of the iconic foods from Japan, having gained a lot of popularity outside of Japan in recent…
While judo and karate are the most popular martial arts to practise outside of Japan, sumo is probably the martial…
Karate literally means 'empty hand', and it was developed in Okinawa having been influenced by Chinese martial art Kung Fu.…
If you ask anyone to name one martial art from Japan, it is probably going to be judo or karate.…
Small amulets called 'omamori' are sold at most shrines and temples in Japan. What is the meaning of this custom?
Japan has two main religions, Shinto and Buddhism. Although many people claim to have no particular belief, most participate in…
In Japan, a very important national tradition returns every year in the early spring. Everybody gets together outside, prepares a…
Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper without using scissors or glue to create shapes that can be seen…
Yamagata City is a centrally located town within a short distance of famous sightseeing areas like Mt. Zao with its…
Aizu-Wakamatsu in Fukushima is especially known for its delicious sake and long history of samurai culture.
If you are interested in Japan's history and want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Edo Period, you…