Karina Ikedo

When people think about Japanese food, kanten might not be their first thought. But this soft, jelly-like food has been used in Japanese cooking for centuries.

Japan is often linked with peaceful gardens, quiet temples, and wooden tea houses where a graceful tea ritual occurs. This is chanoyu (the Japanese tea ceremony), a practice that is much more than drinking Japanese green tea. Starting with Zen Buddhism, which has been refined over centuries, it combines art, religion, philosophy, and social life into one mindful tradition. 

Every autumn, people in Japan gather to honor the moon. This tradition is called tsukimi (moon viewing). The festival mixes natural beauty, poetry, folklore, and tasty seasonal foods into one glowing celebration. It began long ago as a harvest ritual.

Have you ever wondered how ancient art can survive in a modern world? One extraordinary example is Nishijin-ori (Nishijin weaving), a traditional craft that turns silk into breathtaking works of art.

Many hoped the Expo would become a proud cultural moment for Japan and inspire visitors from around the globe. But just a few weeks in, opinions are mixed. Some are impressed, while others feel there’s room for improvement. Keep reading to learn what’s working well and what could improve.

From underground clubs to peaceful jazz cafés, jazz has shaped and been shaped by Japan’s culture for over a century. Keep reading as we take you on a journey through Japanese jazz’s rich history and unforgettable artists.