Are you passionate about manga? Passionate enough to pursue a PhD? In June 2011, Kyoto Seika University announced a groundbreaking doctoral program for manga, set to launch in April 2012. This private university is known for its strong f...

When you hear "Tokyo," you might picture a scene reminiscent of Times Square: dazzling billboards, bustling crowds in business attire, a fast-paced energy. But Tokyo, like New York City, is much more than its central district. It's a pre...

In Japan, midsummer holds a special place in cultural traditions. There are 18 days designated as midsummer days. During this period, people exchange summer greeting cards. Among these days, two are known as the “Doyo no Ushi” named afte...

A Summer of Festivals in Japan Japan is known for its polite and reserved culture, but the country also knows how to celebrate. Summer in Japan is a season-long party with countless festivals, both local and regional. These summer festiv...

Japan's Cellular Evolution: A Brief History Cell phones in Japan have always been a step ahead. This is a testament to the country's innovative spirit and electronic prowess. From the humble beginnings of car phones in the late 1970s to ...

What is "Ochugen"? Gift giving is very popular in Japan and it's a big part of the culture. One particular gift-giving event is called "ochugen". Ochugen comes from the Taoist tradition of "chugen". This was an event around 15 July when ...

What is an Izakaya? An izakaya is essentially a Japanese pub, offering a wide selection of drinks, primarily Japanese alcohol, alongside light snacks and meals. While they traditionally catered to businessmen, izakayas now attract divers...

Okay, so it is Friday night. You are out with your friends and none of you want to go to a club or a bar, but still want to have some fun. What do you do? The answer is obvious: karaoke. The Japanese love karaoke. They love it like a fat...

What is a Geisha? A geisha is unique to Japanese culture. She is a female entertainer, trained from the age of 18 in singing, dancing, the tea ceremony and the art of conversation. She is something like an accomplished courtesan, but wit...

In Japan, people traditionally wear various styles of ethnic clothing that are strictly unique to the country. However, in recent years, they have used most of these types of clothing only on special occasions rather than in everyday lif...