In Japan, rice is more than just food; it represents culture, tradition, and everyday life. Rice has been a key part of Japanese meals and celebrations for hundreds of years. It is important in matsuri (festivals), rituals, and daily dinners. But lately, many people in Japan have faced a big problem: rising rice prices. 

Japanese poetry has enchanted readers for centuries with its elegance, emotional depth, and vivid imagery. Whether carved into wooden tablets or passed down through song, poetry has always played an important role in Japan’s cultural history.

Okinawa Island is a group of tropical islands in the south of Japan. It’s known for its beaches, culture, and how long people live there. Many people in Okinawa live to be over 100 years old! That’s why it’s called one of the world’s Blue Zones, where people live much longer and healthier lives than most.

This unusual collaboration between Maltese conservators and Japanese cultural foundations reveals the quiet power of cross-cultural respect. Behind the steel plates and silk cords is a story of shared dedication that bridges continents, languages, and traditions.

The Showa era in Japan lasted from 1926 to 1989—more than six decades of history packed with change, resilience, and growth. Although it ended over thirty years ago, the Showa era is still everywhere in Japan today.

Japan is home to many innovative services. One is the “ossan rental,” through which people can “rent out” a middle-aged man to do various activities with them. Continue reading to learn more about why this business started, the person behind it, and how you can rent your ojisan in Japan.