Hello, Sakuraco community! We hope you’re doing well. Here are the winners of the January 2026 Reviewer Contest!

A perfect example of Japan’s love for color and art can be found at JR Ueno Station in Tokyo. For decades, a large mural has graced a wall in the train station, bringing light and joy to countless people. In a moment of profound positivity and progress, much-needed restorations to the mural are nearly complete!

Kyoto shrines preserve history within their walls, and their network carries the old days into modern Japan. Visiting them can be a memorable way to learn about Japan’s past and understand how spiritual traditions coexist with modern life.

Aaron and Claire make Japanese home cooking simple and realistic to try. Here are three re-cook friendly dishes, from Butadon to Omurice and Buta no Kakuni, that you can confidently make at home.

Many people know the soft pink cherry blossoms. However, sakura in Japan includes a wide variety. 

Matcha is a finely crafted green tea powder that represents elegance and a deep appreciation for nature in Japanese tea ceremony culture. This tea flavor is widely used in many types of Japanese sweets and snacks, including Tsujiri no Sato. L