For those who are in the business of conquering mountains, the thrill of the climb is never free of danger. In observation of Mountain Day, we present four Japanese mountaineers who braved the elements, gender and age expectations, and near-certain death to achieve their dreams.
Read MoreAs an island nation with a culinary affinity for fish, it’s no surprise that Japan has a close relationship with the sea. But more than almost any other element, water extends deeply into the cultural backbone of the country, going beyond geography and permeating its way into art, medicine, literature, philosophy and even martial arts.
Read MoreTo celebrate the launch of our Morihata Organic Matcha Collection, we are highlighting a different application for each of our three unique ceremonial grades. In this inaugural post, we share some musings on the lost beauty of the green tea ceremony.
Read MoreIn anticipation of Mother’s Day, we’ve put together some words from the Rikumo team about the most important women in our lives. Warning: extremely heart-warming stories ahead.
Read MoreCavernous and glass-windowed, you would be forgiven for mistaking the Center for Art in Wood for an upscale gallery. Instead, the Center is a remarkably inclusive space, inviting artists and curious admirers from all over the world to discover the art of woodworking. We take you inside.
Read MoreThe Kizara memo pad is a movement to reclaim the Japanese forest for future generations. Behind its simple design, there’s a long history of craftsmanship and sustainability. We talk to owner Satoshi Koike about the people behind Kizara, the intrinsic beauty of wood, and why it’s so important to touch lumber with your fingertips.
Read MoreIf you’ve ever seen an ikebana arrangement, you know it’s not exactly like the elaborate floral arrangements you’re used to seeing at weddings. In fact, you would be forgiven for thinking there’s not much to arrange there at at all.
Read MoreNo matter who you are, you likely owe some part of your personal success to a woman. . In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re shining a spotlight on the smart, funny, creative, and compassionate women that work tirelessly behind the scenes at Rikumo and Morihata.
Read MoreIn a time when public telephones have become almost obsolete, one lone telephone booth in Otsuchi keeps getting visitors. To passerby, it’s little more than a baffling mystery, but to locals, the booth is known as the Phone of the Wind.
Read MoreOn days where life seems endlessly confusing, we take comfort in some hard-won wisdom from the philosophers at the School of Life. Ahead of Valentine’s Day, we discuss how to get over heartbreak, fear of intimacy, and the delicious impotence of sulking.
Read MoreRecurring dreams teach us about our personalities, our anxieties, and the secrets that lurk beneath the surface of our conscious. For director Akira Kurosawa, recurring dreams were not just an exercise in self-discovery, but also the inspiration for one of his most beloved films.
Read MoreFor centuries, dreams have been used to predict the future, and everyone has their own way of interpreting the signs. However, there’s one dream in particular sets the tone for your luck in the new year.
Read MoreThe name of George Nakashima is as famous for its contributions to design philosophy as it is for its artistry. But around the world, a separate legacy follows the renowned Japanese-American craftsman: his interest in world peace and humanitarianism through design.
Read MoreHere at Rikumo HQ, we look forward to the holidays more than almost any other time of year. In honor of Thanksgiving, we're sharing the things that we're most thankful for this year.
Read MoreZombies, giant skeletons, inkspots that come alive in the night… the bizarre world of Japanese demons is always one step ahead of our imagination.
Read MoreEvery so often we’ll share a few thoughts on the books we’re reading outside the office. For the first time in the history of Rikumo Book Club, we bring you one story in two forms: a cult video game and its novelization by one of the most important contemporary Japanese writers.
Read MoreAnyone who’s ever sat through a bad comedy sketch knows how hard it can be to find someone who is truly funny. In the hands of a gifted storyteller, though, even the dullest story can make us laugh. And no comedian is more studied, intuitive, or gifted than the one who performs rakugo.
Read MoreTokyo is a sprawling, metropolitan city that contains over 30 major neighborhoods, each with its own unique residents and personality. Connecting many of them is the Yamanote Line, a cyclical elevated train line built in 1925. It is considered Tokyo’s most important train line and is arguably, the best way to see the city.
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