Japanese Bamboo Art Captivates Western Collectors and the World
Ayako Kurosawa for JAPAN Forward Japanese bamboo art has become a hot sensation overseas, although in Japan such works are viewed more commonly as crafts…
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The Kimono Will Survive: Sheila Cliffe Says It’s A ‘Complete, Fulfilling Fashion System’
Arielle Busetto, JAPAN Forward Are you curious about the Japanese traditional dress known as kimono? After the recent media storm surrounding Kim Kardashian’s short-lived underwear…
Tea Ware Exhibition at Suntory Museum Promises Rare Look at Japanese Culture
An exhibition showcasing ceramic works for use in the Japanese tea ceremony, “Mino Tea Wares: Kiseto, Setoguro, Shino, and Oribe,” is underway at the Suntory…
Do Japanese Art Swords Surrendered after WWII Constitute War Loot?
(By Paul Martin) In recent times, there have been many cases of war loot being repatriated to the original owners, their descendants, or country of…
Enoshima Aquarium’s Proud Mission: Educating People, Preserving Dolphins
Kazuhisa Hori (President, Enoshima Marine Corporation), for JAPAN Forward My company, which was founded close to 67 years ago, is in the business of planning…
‘50 Years of Go Nagai’ Exhibit Coming to the Ueno Royal Museum in September 2019
The 50 Years of Go Nagai exhibit celebrating half a century’s work by Japanese manga artist Go Nagai, 73, will open on September 14 at…
Take Your Best Photos of Mount Fuji from Yamanashi
by Şenol Hasan, JAPAN Forward When you think of Japan, what comes to mind? Thousands of people scrambling across Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo? The beautiful…
Edo Era Post Towns Charm Foreign Hikers from Magome to Tsumago
The picturesque Magome guesthouse (Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture) with its quintessential Edo era post town vestiges behind us, we threaded our way up a stone-paved…
[FUJI ROCK 2019] Japanese Duo Glim Spanky Raise Their Game
Daniel Robson for JAPAN Forward Performing for their third time at the Fuji Rock Festival, Glim Spanky is the quintessential band for a festival set…
Concerns Over Japan’s Driverless Trains Remain
The Seaside Liner that figured in an accident by running in the wrong direction on June 1, 2019. Service resumed July 4, using manual, driver-operated…
Recovering Through Interactive Art in Tohoku
Kirsty Bouwers for JAPAN Forward Tohoku has slowly been trying to get back on its feet since the triple disasters of March 11, 2011. With…
Young YouTuber Wants to Stay Out of School; People on Tokyo’s Streets Weigh In
Arielle Busetto, JAPAN Forward It was the end of a blissfully-long Golden Week holiday in May, but one young man was already thinking of back-to-school…
Fans Vote Hello Kitty the Most ‘Kawaii’ Sanrio Character for 2019
Sanrio, the world-famous cuteness-producing company, announced on June 4 the result of 2019 Sanrio Character Prize, its annual popularity contest for the various characters now…
Niigata’s ‘Giant Kite Battle’: A Story of Retaliation Turns Into A Festival Tradition
Senol Hasan, for JAPAN Forward Three hundred kilometers west of Tokyo, in the heart of Japan’s Niigata Prefecture, lies Shirone. It is a modest city…
[Hidden Wonders of Japan] A Maiko Does the Ceremonial First Pitch at Koshien Baseball Stadium
Kanako, a maiko from Miyagawacho, Kyoto, does the ceremonial first pitch in Koshien Baseball Stadium on May 22, 2019. Photo by Sankei Shimbun | ©…