Naruto Kabuki is an interesting blend of traditional and modern since it incorporates the history of kabuki with the more modern culture of manga and anime. Even if you’re not particularly interested in anime, kabuki plays are a good way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.
An often-neglected historical edifice but bearing equal significance and prestige not only for its vast, sprawling garden but also more importantly for the Art Deco interiors of Prince Asaka’s former residence, is the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum in Meguro.
Japanese people have the longest average life expectancy in the entire world. They also hold the title of being one of the healthiest in the world. Is it all because of their genes? Hmm... not quite. Japanese are said to have a very healthy diet, which contributes a lot to how healthy they are. Here are some of them!
Japan loves all things kawaii, it’s deeply ingrained in all aspects of modern day living. But what is kawaii? And where did it come from? Read on to discover why kawaii is so much more than just a word.
Japanese temples and shrines are not just beautiful to look at they’re also a chance to take part in some of Japan’s traditional and cultural activities. Though the Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines do have some differences, the activities themselves are quite similar. Here are 5 different activities you can partake in at either a temple or a shrine.
Known as the Temple of Flowers, Mimuroto-ji sits amidst an expansive garden that offers a wonderful array of plants and trees coming in to bloom at different times throughout the year.
Back in 2011 after the Great Earthquake and Tsunami, everyone in the Tohoku region of Japan came together to renew their land and their spirit by creating “Tohoku Rokkonsai (Six Festivals).” Tohoku Rokkonsai sewed together the six prefectures into one breakthrough event, touring around the region to celebrate all of their summer festivals.
The moment you venture into the infoshop, be prepared to gaze upon reams of posters, books, “zines,” t-shirts, and other goods that favor countercultural ideas. From anarchist thinkers such as Mikhail Bakunin to early Japanese nonconformists like Noe Ito and Kotoku Shusui, you’ll find something to sink your political teeth into without much trouble.
To this day the area still produces a vast number of kimono, coming in second only to Japan’s cultural hub of Kyoto. The people of Tokamachi are extremely proud of their home grown artisanship, and host a number of events in May showing their deep connection to Japan’s traditional dress.
Japan is a country that is proud of having its four seasons. It is also a country where temporary is a way of living. So, in order to enjoy fully each season without missing anything, let's see what are the seasonal things one can do or experience in Japan.
As a foreigner living in Japan, changing jobs is not quite as straightforward as one may think. However, it is easier than in most other Asian countries.
When I am asked what I love so much about Japan I have a thousand answers: the food, the people, the service, and so on. One thing I can never find the courage to tell people about, though, is the toilets.
