We’ve said our goodbye’s to 2019 and have welcomed in the new decade with fireworks, feasts and parties that have lasted since the 1st of…

Have you ever been on the train or bus with a horrible runny nose? Whether due to allergies or a cold, I’m pretty sure we’ve…

Dream of a VGM Fan I can’t say I’m exactly a Mega Man (originally known as “Rockman”) fan or anything like that. I haven’t even…

On August 6th, 1945, Japan became the only country to suffer an attack by a nuclear weapon. Nearly 75 years later, a debate is raging…

JAPAN Forward Sometimes, traditions have hidden histories to uncover. Other times, the origins can be surprisingly obvious and yet reveal how a traditional celebration has…

Christmas is intended for lovers in Japan, and New Year’s is meant to be spent with family. How about Valentine’s Day? Of course, it’s intended…

Step Into the Sound of NieR Maybe some people think that the music in games is nothing more than a bunch of beeps and boops….

Founded in 1893, Kunjudo embodies the rich and constantly evolving incense making tradition of Awaji Island. Last year, the venerated company showed of their 120…

Man, what is wrong with Millennials? Eating laundry detergent. Snorting condoms. Putting avocados in milk—or something. I’m not entirely sure. I stopped reading that article…

If you are looking for good anime that will leave you in tears, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of the recommendations…

Straddling the river of the old castle town of Iwakuni, like a pebble skipping across the water, the five arches of Kintaikyō bridge (錦帯橋) form…

Japan is the only country in the world in which pets outnumber children. Kids and pets are closely linked in Japan: as the number of…

From Spain’s quinceanera, when females turn 15, to the United States’ sweet sixteen parties, cultures around the world celebrate when children come of age. In…

Setsubun (節分) or “seasonal division,” represents the day of the beginning of the spring and is celebrated as part of the Haru Matsuri(Spring Festival) on…

Kagami Biraki / 鏡開き is a Shinto custom celebrated annually on the 11th of January and a literal translation of the Japanese term is “Opening…