Karina Ikedo

When people think of the Japanese New Year, they typically associate it with January 1st. It’s a time for celebrations, family, special foods, and visits to shrines for hatsumode (first prayer of the year).

When people hear about matcha (Japanese green tea), they usually think of its bright green color or earthy taste.

If you’ve ever visited Japan or seen photos of its food, you might have spotted little rice dumplings on a stick. These chewy treats are called mitarashi dango, and they’re one of Japan’s most beloved traditional sweets.

Step into art that moves, glows, and comes to life all around you. The art collective teamLab is opening a new museum in Kyoto, Japan, called teamLab Biovortex Kyoto. It opened on October 7, 2025, and it’s just a short walk from Kyoto Station.

When you think about Japanese culture, you might picture tea ceremonies, cherry blossoms, or a polite bow with a greeting. But underneath those traditions lies another essential idea, giri (duty, obligation, social responsibility).

If you’ve ever walked through Nara Park, you probably remember one thing most: the deer. These gentle animals, with curious eyes and playful bows for senbei (rice crackers), are the city’s most famous residents. They may look like the perfect sign of harmony between people and animals, but the truth is more complex.