culture

Japanese communities giving their skylines a spring clean and saying goodbye to power lines

The quest to let Japan’s historical sites shine bright continues on.

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American gun owner opens our eyes to a different way of life in Tokyo

“Bad guys have guns, so good girls have to have guns too.”

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Wearable blankets blessed by 1,100-year old Shinto shrine on sale in Japan, surprisingly affordable

Blessed Wearable Blankets all receive prayers that wearers will pass their entrance exams.

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How to do an overnight bus trip to Kanazawa from Tokyo【Photos】 – Part 2

Historical tea houses, throwing stars, retro cafes, and Kanazawa’s special curry, all without any need to book a hotel.

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A visit to Japan’s priest murder party cliffs of Tojinbo【Photos】

Dramatic coastline has a dramatic reason for sharing its name with a priest from the Heian period.

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A beautiful night in the Hokkaido woods with immersive Ainu folktale Kamuy Lumina【Photos】

Grab your rhythm staff for an unforgettable after-sundown event.

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Japanese government wants to acquire original anime and manga art for creation of national archive

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology discusses project with Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno.

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Starbucks teams up with the oldest of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns to create a Bizen ware coffee mug

Ancient Japanese pottery techniques create a sublime coffee-drinking experience.

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Japanese train driver and conductor duo melt hearts with behind-the-scenes friendship【Video】

“More than friends less than lovers” team shows us what it takes to look after thousands of commuters on the rails.

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A heavenly trip to Japan’s Demon Island in the Seto Inland Sea【Photos】

We follow in Momotaro’s footsteps with a visit to Onigashima.

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Secrets of the sumo ring: Behind-the-scenes rituals that support the wrestlers…literally【Video】

A fascinating look at how the mound is newly built before every tournament. 

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Kyoto becomes City of Yokai, with Night Parade of One Hundred Demons festival this autumn

Japan’s supernatural world springs to life in a special Hyakki Yagyo event you won’t want to miss. 

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A trip to the other side of Matsushima, a mysterious power spot with an otherworldly atmosphere

The eerie ruins on this island will take your breath away. 

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Virtual idol Hatsune Miku to act in kabuki play with human co-star【Photos】

Cho-Kabuki announces new version of Hanakurabe Zenbonzakura.

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How Japanese people deal with death at Nagasaki’s Shoro Nagashi ceremony

Honouring the dead in a moving way that aids the grieving process.

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Survey finds Japan to be least god-fearing nation in the world and it’s not even close

Jesus is just… all right with Japan.

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The unusual and surprising ways people in Nagasaki celebrate Obon, the festival of spirits

One of the few places in Japan where you’ll see families setting off fireworks at the cemetery.

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Japan’s two-month Shut-in Pilgrimage – A 1,200-year-old way to deal with a modern issue

Program helps hikikomori take steps towards reconnecting with the outside world.

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Mr. Sato dons full pilgrim fashion to escape the summer heat

Let’s take it back to ’79… 1879.

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Pikachu appears as a noh actor in kimono at Pokémon x Crafts Exhibition in Japan

A rare chance to see Pokémon like you’ve never seen them before.

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