Anna Ayvazyan

Would you try a soup made from a sea snake? In the islands of Okinawa, this bold and unusual dish has been part of local life for centuries. Known as irabu-jiru (Irabu soup), it carries stories of the sea, royal history, and traditional healing. T

Every year, NHK’s Taiga drama brings Japanese history to life, and in 2026, it returns to the dramatic Sengoku period. This year’s series offers a fresh perspective by focusing on the people behind the famous names.

Kokuho, Japan’s most popular movie last year, captured audiences with its mix of modern drama and traditional arts. Let’s explore what the film is about, explain Kabuki theater, show how Kokuho boosted its popularity, and discuss why this cultural revival matters.

A walk through a Japanese cemetery often shows strong ties to family, memory, and tradition. For generations, visiting family graves has been an important custom in Japan. However, fewer people can continue this practice due to busy lives, long distances, and changing family structures.

What happens when a film about one of Japan’s most controversial writers stays unseen for nearly 40 years? Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters has finally premiered in Japan, stirring excitement, debate, and curiosity. Today, we’ll look at Yukio Mishima’s dramatic life, his enduring legacy, and the significance of the film’s long-awaited release.

Ballet meets butoh this winter in Tokyo, as K-Ballet Opto presents a powerful new production on stage. “A Dance Remembered in Tohno” invites audiences into a dreamlike world shaped by folklore, wartime memories, and human emotion.