Bonsai: An Elevated Art Form
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The art form of bonsai (盆栽) has been a Japanese tradition for centuries. It originated from the Chinese tradition known as penjing (miniature landscapes of trees…
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Exciting Japanese Festivals in July
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Festivals in Japan have deep cultural ties and a long history. Witnessing the revelry and excitement of each gives us a deeper understanding of the…
Read ArticleChirin-chirin: Nagasaki’s Favorite Summertime Treat
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Summer in Japan is full of fun and excitement. The many summer festivals are much anticipated all over the country. Thrilling fireworks light up the evening…
Read ArticleMount Fuji and the Goddess Sengen-Sama
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Mount Fuji (富士山 Fujisan) is a staggering 12,389 feet high: the tallest mountain in Japan. Located on Honshu Island, it can be seen all the way from Tokyo on…
Read ArticleMagical Miso Soup
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Miso (みそ or 味噌) is created by fermenting soybeans with the fungus kōjikin (Aspergillus oryzae), salt, and other ingredients like barley and rice. The outcome of…
Read ArticleGetting to Know the Japanese Language
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The Japanese language is known as Nihongo (日本語). Chinese documents record the existence of some Japanese words as early as the 3rd century, and texts clearly appear during…
Read ArticleFamous Japanese Olympians Through the Years
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Since last September’s announcement by the International Olympic Committee that Tokyo won the bid to host the 2020 Summer Olympics, preparations have been well under way. The…
Read ArticleContemporary Art: Japanese Manhole Covers
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It seems unlikely that anyone would give a manhole cover a second glance as they pass it by. Manhole covers are generally round, and the…
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