Gifu Festival Celebrates 700 Years of Swords
Seki City in Gifu Prefecture has been forging samurai swords for over 700 years. On the second weekend of October every year, the Seki Cutlery Festival celebrates the region's long history of blade-making—and offers gorgeous works at discount prices!
17 (Non-Otaku) Presents to Buy a Japan Fan
Looking for something for that Japan fan who's already got it all? We've got 17 suggestions!
How to Make Lord of the Rings Origami
Check out these seven fantastic options for Lord of the Rings origami. We hope you've got One Ring to fold them all!
A New Kind of Seasonal Art Medium
Disney and Japanese anime are some of the inspirations for these transient masterpieces.
An 8-Day Journey Through the 'Rising Dragon'
Travel through the 'Rising Dragon' region of Japan, where you'll find ancient shrines, exquisite gold leaf, top-ranked gardens, incredible festivals, panoramic mountain views, plus markets, museums, kabuki and more!
Get Crafty in Tohoku by Making 'Kokeshi'
Travel to Sendai and learn all about 'kokeshi,' the traditional wooden dolls that come from the Tohoku region, before getting a chance to make one of your very own!
Get Pottery 1,300 Years in the Making
Mino ware, or Mino 'yaki,' flourished in central Japan hand-in-hand with the rise of ikebana and tea ceremony. You can still get it today—and in fact, it now makes up half of all the pottery made in Japan!
The Tomioka Silk Mill
Historical Site World Heritage
Located in Gunma Prefecture, the Tomioka Silk Mill is a well-preserved symbol of modernization and international cooperation. It was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2014.
5 Incredible Origami Rose Tutorials
Give your loved ones a bouquet of resplendent red roses (or whatever color you like) without breaking the bank!
Kamizumo: The Art of Paper Sumo
The history of 'kamizumo,' or paper sumo, reaches back to the popularization of flesh-and-blood sumo as a sport during the Edo Period. It's still played by kids—and some surprisingly dedicated adults—to this day.
The History of Origami
Modern Japanese origami is actually heavily influenced by traditional European paper folding!
Meet Orizuru: the First Flying Origami Crane
This folded paper bird is geared up and ready for take off!
Make These 11 Awesome Origami Dragons!
Want to know how to make an origami dragon? These videos will walk you through the steps, from basic to advanced—and beyond!
The Only New Year's Postcard You'll Ever Need
Japanese artist Feebee has created an 'ukiyo-e' woodblock print of an imaginary beast combining all 12 zodiac animals. Doesn't matter if it's the Year of the Rooster, Horse or Dragon, you can always send this print for the New Year!
Make Your Own Beautiful Butterfly Origami
Butterfly origami has been around for hundreds of years, and it'll surely live on thanks to these five how-to videos on YouTube.
These Aren't Your Average Origami
This Japanese Twitter user stunned us with his amazing origami skills by using only one single piece of paper to create elaborate animals and historical figures.
7 Outstanding Origami YouTube Channels
Looking to step beyond paper cranes, but not sure where to go? These seven origami channels offer a great selection that will take you to the next level and beyond!
UNESCO Sites in the Tokyo Area
Tokyo is great for food, shopping and relaxation. But you should know there are also a handful of stellar World Heritage Sites right in the area!
Get a Guitar from a Ferrari Designer
Looking for a new guitar? How about one produced via the same techniques used to build Japanese temples, designed by a Ferrari designer?
Know When (& How) to Fold Origami in Tokyo
If you're interested in learning how to make origami, there's no substitute for a quality instructor.
