Objects & Symbols The Soul of Japan in a Single Drum
What a Taiko Drum Reveals About Japanese CultureAt first glance, this is just a drum.Wood. Leather. Metal studs.Nothing ...
Objects & Symbols 
Yokai Were Kimono with Yōkai Designs Made Only for Display?
At first glance, kimono decorated with yōkai (Japanese supernatural beings) may look like purely decorative or ceremonia...
Objects & Symbols The Art of Hagoita: Traditional Japanese Decorative Dolls
Japanese traditional crafts often reflect seasonal customs, symbolism, and meticulous handwork.One such example is Hagoi...
Myths & Deities Shishimai: How Japan Made the Lion Dance Its Own
At first glance, Shishimai may resemble other lion dances found across Asia, but in Japan it evolved into a unique ritua...
Objects & Symbols A Quiet Spin — The Japanese Wooden Top
Spinning tops can be found in many cultures around the world,but the Japanese koma carries a sense of quietness.Made of ...
Myths & Deities Leaving Words at the Boundary
— Yomotsu HirasakaA Boundary Without ExplanationA large rock stands quietly in the forest,marked with a sacred rope.Noth...
Yokai Cats, Curses, and Consequences: The Folklore of Neko-oni
Cat Oni Skulls (Neko-oni)Edo period and later.Objects associated with folklore surrounding curses involving cats, reflec...
Myths & Deities Where Life Is Prayed for, on the Edge of the Sea
On a quiet stretch of Japan’s coastline, a small temple clings to a cliff — a place where people come to pray for safe c...
Myths & Deities Closing the Journey of the Seven Lucky Gods
Together, the Seven Lucky Gods embody the many forms of happiness sought in everyday life—prosperity, longevity, wisdom,...
Myths & Deities Benzaiten – The Goddess of Music, Wisdom, and Art
Benzaiten is the only female deity among Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods, revered as the goddess of music, eloquence, wisdom, a...