Japanese Culture

Japanese Culture

Traditional Street of Udatsu Townscape in Tokushima, Japan

This historic street in Tokushima is known as the Udatsu Townscape, a preserved merchant district that flourished during...
Japanese Culture

Anime-Themed Trains in Japan: A Unique Cultural Experience on Rails

IntroductionIn Japan, trains are more than just a way to get from one place to another.They can also be moving pieces of...
Japanese Culture

A Rare Type of Japanese Hina Dolls: Palace-Style Displays from Meiji Japan

When people think of Japanese Hina dolls (used for the Girls’ Festival), they usually imagine tiered displays with beaut...
Japanese Culture

Why Do Japanese Keep Damaged Dolls? The Beauty of Imperfection

A discarded doll, a quiet decision, and a different way of seeing value.■ IntroductionI noticed something unusual about ...
Japanese Culture

What Is Miyoshi Ningyo? A Rare Traditional Japanese Folk Doll from Hiroshima

■ IntroductionHave you ever seen a traditional Japanese doll like this?This is Miyoshi Ningyo, a rare type of Japanese f...
Japanese Culture

Onoza Theater (Okina-za): The Oldest Wooden Playhouse in Western Japan

Hidden in the historic town of Joge in Hiroshima Prefecture stands a remarkable cultural treasure — Onoza Theater (Okina...
Japanese Culture

Working with Water

Anchoring the Body in Seaweed FarmingAt first glance, these do not look like footwear.They are wooden frames tied to hea...
Japanese Culture

When Shoes Become Tools: The Straw Boots Used to Step on Hot Soybeans

Steam rises from freshly cooked soybeans.They are hot. Soft. Heavy.And someone must step into them.Not barefoot.Wearing ...
Japanese Culture

The Well of Authority: Water at the Heart of Edo-period Governance

IntroductionIn many countries, a well is simply a source of water.In Japan, however, water often carries something more ...
Japanese Culture

Kanro Soy Sauce: A Traditional Taste from Yanai, Japan

Yanai is a small historic town in western Japan.It is known for its preserved streets and traditional culture.One of its...