Though it once was the dominant form of literary expression, poetry has since been eclipsed by prose for most of the world. Not so in Japan, where the influence of one particular 13th century collection has inspired works of art and even games.
Read More
There is a saying that goes, "In a house made of hiba, mosquitoes do not come for 3 years." We give you a look into the fascinating history and properties of this prized tree.
Read More
Work, life, and writing lessons from Japan’s most important contemporary writer.
Read More
Thoughts on the forthcoming season.
Read More
In this short tale about the superstitious minister Fujiwara Sanesuke, we learn the exact time and place when we begin to fear old age.
Read More
What’s the difference? It’s all in the terroir.
Read More
Sake is Japan’s national drink, with rituals, traditions, and rules of its own. Here’s how to drink it correctly.
Read More
Expat. Intellectual. Writer. As one of the first writers to venture outside of Japan, Natsume Soseki documented the struggle of finding your place in a modern world without losing your identity.
Read More
The making of a Karmi tea canister can take up to a year to complete. Here’s a look inside the mind of its creator.
Read More
Printmaker and poet William Morris is best remembered for writing “The Earthly Paradise”. He had no idea that his artistry and writings would eventually inspire Yanagi Soetsu to begin the Japanese folk art movement.
Read More
From playing cards to blasting Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, there’s a lot to do before greeting the New Year.
Read More
Whatever you celebrate (and even if you don't), the holidays are a time for us to reflect on the lives we lead
Read More
Though fall and spring are popular subjects in Japanese art and literature, there is a tendency to avoid lingering for too long on the bitterly cold nights of winter. This means that, for over 700 years, winter was painted in idealized tones almost as gentle as our own holiday memories.
Read More
Written by us.
Read More
On endings and beginnings.
Read More
Every month we share one story with you that has been shared many times before. In this season of gratitude, we honor the legacy of Japanese stone cutters and other craftsmen who persevere in humble circumstances.
Read More
We took a field trip to Longwood Gardens, where over 16,000 chrysanthemum blooms fill up the conservatory in celebration of the Japanese Chrysanthemum Festival.
Read More
Discover the fascinating ritual of the Japanese tea ceremony.
Read More