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...
aircarft

From Walkdown to Takeoff: Flying in the Rain with Japan’s Jet Team

IntroductionRain changes everything at an air base.The runway turns into a mirror, the light softens, and every movement...
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...
Yokai

Whispers of the Fox Spirits

There’s something unsettling about foxes in Japanese folklore.Not quite friendly, not entirely hostile—always watching f...
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 Footwear

Traditional Japanese Footwear Unknown Even to Japanese

Shuttōgutsu: Ritual Shoes Worn by Buddhist MonksWhen people think of traditional Japanese footwear, most imagine:Geta (w...
Japanese Footwear

Ancient Japanese Shoes: What Are “Hanadaka-gutsu”?

Japan has many traditional types of footwear such as 下駄 (geta) and 草履 (zori).However, long before these became common, a...
Japanese Footwear

Ancient Bronze Shoes from Japan’s Kofun Period

When people think about traditional Japanese footwear, they usually imagine straw sandals, wooden geta, or cloth shoes. ...
Japanese Footwear

Bota Zori: Traditional Japanese Sandals Made from Recycled Fabric

These traditional Japanese sandals are called Bota Zori, handmade footwear crafted by weaving strips of old fabric toget...