Categories

Nagano, Japan, is a beautiful prefecture in the center of Honshu, surrounded by tall mountains and peaceful valleys. People call it the “roof of Japan” because it has some of the country’s highest mountain ranges.

We had a lovely chat with Rachel and Jun about their story, from their early beginnings to how their videos continue to inspire people around the world. We’ve gathered and crafted their reflections into this special feature, so you can experience their story in a way that feels just like their videos: warm, genuine, and…

In the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, Nikkō is a place where Japan’s natural beauty, spiritual heritage, and culinary traditions converge. Just a few hours north of Tokyo, this town enchants visitors with vibrant autumn leaves, ornate shrines, and flavors unique to its mountainous setting.

The Christmas Market in Sapporo, officially known as the Munich Christmas Market, brings the spirit of Europe’s festive season to the snowy streets of Hokkaido.

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.

Shikoku is the smallest of Japan’s four main islands, a peaceful region renowned for its scenic beauty and tranquil lifestyle. It’s also home to a special kind of sugar that perfectly reflects this relaxed way of life — wasanbon.

The name yamaimo (literally meaning “mountain yam”) refers to a species of Japanese yam that grows naturally in the cooler, mountainous regions of Japan.

After more than a century abroad, the spirits of three Ainu ancestors have finally returned home to Japan. In May 2025, the University of Edinburgh formally returned skulls that once belonged to members of Japan’s Indigenous community. Their return marks an emotional and symbolic moment for the Ainu people, whose cultural heritage was long overlooked under Japanese imperial rule.

Across the tropical rooftops and street corners of Okinawa, you’ll find fierce yet friendly-looking creatures sitting in pairs, one roaring proudly, the other calmly closing its mouth. These are shisa, Okinawa’s legendary lion-dogs, protectors that have watched over homes, temples, and entire villages for centuries.

Imagine holding a small dish that glows as if sunlight is trapped inside it. This perfect example of Japanese ceramics resembles glass, with its colors deep and luminous, outlined with threads of silver. That’s the magic of shippo yaki.

According to a new study, Japan could face what’s now called “The Sato 2531 Problem.” If nothing changes, by the year 2531, nearly every person in Japan might share the surname: Sato.