The town of Biei in Hokkaido has attracted visitors to its rolling hills and colorful fields for over 200 years. The region’s rural beauty is famous across the country. The local scenery has been used in everything from advertisements to award-winning photos.

In the heart of Kyoto, a long-forgotten sweet from Japan’s past has returned. It’s called nanban mochi.

Takuya Uchiyama is one of Japan’s most promising young directors today. His latest film, Shibire (Numb), is based on Uchiyama’s own memories and emotions from his youth. This Japanese movie has received critical acclaim from Japanese and international film critics. Let’s take a closer look at this talented director and the success of Shibire!

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.

Japan’s numerous remote islands often differ considerably from the mainland in culture, language, and history. Tanegashima Island is one such example. Located in the far south of the Japanese archipelago, this location primarily served as a site for early European contact. It played a major role in introducing firearms to the country during the sixteenth century.

Japan is famous worldwide for its skill, balance, and attention to detail. While ceramics are famous, Japanese glassware has a rich history too. Japan makes hand-blown glass and everyday tableware. Glassmakers mix traditional techniques with modern design. This balance makes Japanese glassware stand out worldwide.