Yakumi: Condiments with a Healthy Twist
Directly translated as 'medicine' (yaku) 'taste' (mi), yakumi originally served as antidotes to a variety of ailments.
A Brief History of Bento
Bento can be found everywhere in Japan, from convenience stores and railway stations to upscale department stores. But where did they come from?
A Hypnotic Tour through January in Japan
The urban jungles of Tokyo and historic temples of Kyoto all look gorgeous in January.
Tokyo Day Trip: Renting a Kimono in Kawagoe
Kawagoe is one of the few places in Japan where you can really see what cities used to look like, centuries ago.
5 Ghastly Ghosts of Japanese Toilets
From toilet-licking goblins to the local version of Bloody Mary, Japanese bathrooms are no strangers to haunting entities that lurk between the stalls.
'Shufu' Culture and the Bento
While the "lady of the house” may be an outdated concept in the West, in Japan, the woman working at home is a well-respected and meaningful topic when it comes to examining the hidden depths of Japanese culture.
Water & Washoku: Fountains of Youth?
Masaharu Maeda, a professor of rehabilitation studies, believes bathing culture is one of the secrets to Japanese longevity.
5 Reasons Why Karaoke is a Great Spot to Study
With cafés crowded and homes small, what better than a catered, private box for assembling your study group?
Onsen Myths of Fukushima
Onsen are an important part of Japanese culture, and they’re one of the things I missed the most while living in the U.S.
Onsen Date in Tokyo
I get that “onsen dates” are kind of weird, but my husband and I love them.
7 Fishy Things About Japanese Fish
Why would a fish's name change? What dish is made of sea urchin gonads? And how many herring eggs would you want to eat at New Year's?
The Difference Between a Bento & a Lunch Box
It has to do with the contents and packing style, but it has to do with the feelings of the packer as well.
All About Bento in Japanese Culture
From moms and their children to university students looking for a cheap meal, bento is a familiar presence at every stage of life in Japan.
An Ad for Eating Hair & Smashing Cakes
Seki City in Gifu Prefecture finds a weirdly endearing way to highlight its local specialty.
Catch His Eye with a Couples' Bento
Before dating, teenage girls may attract their love interest’s attention with a homemade lunch.
Manga Cafés: Japan’s Cheapest Places to Sleep
When you miss the last train, why not crash in a place with a free drinks machine?
Amazing Chalkboard Art Animates Student Life
A touching Calorie Mate commercial walks us through the stresses and joys of preparing for that big exam in Japan.
The Buddha Twice the Size of Lady Liberty
At 120 meters, the Ushiku Daibutsu was the tallest statue in the world until 2002.
Buddhism Through the Stomach
A Buddhist monk shares his religion through cooking and cookbooks.
Tsukiji: The Market That Stocks Japan's Pantry
This market is the main reason people in Japan take it for granted fresh fish will always be on the table.
