Ranjatai: priceless piece of aromatic wood is source of emperor’s most exquisite incense
The Ranjatai (蘭奢待) is one of Japan’s great hidden national treasures, a priceless piece of aromatic agarwood that is the source of the emperor’s most…
Culture
Kuge: Japan’s original art snobs have a lot to answer for
Traditional Japanese artistic disciplines like calligraphy, the tea ceremony, and flower arranging are loved and admired around the world. But why are they enveloped in…
Pui Pui Molcar Drives Home Stop-motion Anime with Fuzzy Characters and Black Humor
No language barrier, the anime using fuzzy felt guinea pig cars drives its messages home with soft emotion, details and cuteness, charming international and domestic…
Team of Japanese artisans revive traditional crafts with unique masks and face shields
The history of traditional crafts in Japan is not only rich, but can be seen and appreciated today thanks to the dedicated artisans who have…
Gorgeous kitty-themed temple pilgrimage books are perfect stationery for cat lovers
For those that make pilgrimages or even occasional trips to shrines and temples in Japan, Goshuincho (“honorable red stamp book”) are highly recommended way of…
Interview with the Producer of the All-Girl VTuber Group hololive English
in September 2020, to much fanfare and anticipation from fans, COVER Corporation (CEO: Motoaki Tanigo) announced the launch of hololive English, an all-girl VTuber group…
Famous YouTuber Bilingirl Chika opens online salon after suffering serious cyberbullying
Last year, we talked about the serious online abuse and cyberbullying that YouTuber Bilingirl received during the early days of the pandemic. For those who…
Komomaki, straw belts protecting Japan’s trees from winter cold, may do more harm than good
Japanese gardeners are much admired for the scrupulous care they take of their plants, particularly in the winter months. One example is yukitsuri (雪吊りliterally, ‘snow…
Yasukuni Shrine’s ‘Yozakura Noh’ sees evening performances held under sakura
Returning for the first time in two years, Yasukuni Shrine’s ‘Yozakura Noh Theatre’ will see traditional Japanese performances held outside, beneath the cherry blossoms, and…
Full bloom plum trees turn Kyoto shrine into magical wonderland
The Peach Blossom Spring refers to a famous fable written by Tao Yuanming, is often described as an ethereal utopia with a dreamy view, and…
Japanese photographer captures perfectly timed shots of Great Buddha’s ritual cleaning
Buddha statues can be seen at temples, sitting quietly with calm and peaceful faces. The size range is wide, but when you have to stand…
Sakura Shimbun 2021 eliminates FOMO with special hanami page spread in newspaper
The Sakura Shimbun, which started in Kyushu (Nishi-nippon Shimbun) last year and received a lot of attention on SNS and in the local media, has…
Hiraizumi: a fabled earthly paradise made rich by gold dust
In the Travels of Marco Polo, the great Venetian explorer calls Japan “the land of gold – Zipangu.” It is believed that he wrote these…
Walk amongst the clouds with this VR video of Kyoto’s Edo era ‘Floating Tea House’
Located atop of Yawata’s Otokoyama, the ancient Iwashimizu Hachimangu shrine was built to overlook Kyoto and to provide the gods with a location from which…
Black fallen leaf incense comes in three soothing aromas to fill your room
Founded in 1893, Japanese incense maker Kunjudo has been built a reputation of combining the traditional incense manufacturing history of Awaji Island with creative modern…