Festivals & Traditions Hinamatsuri — The Wishes Entrusted to the Hina Dolls
Hinamatsuri — The Wishes Entrusted to the Hina DollsAs March approaches, dolls begin to appear inside Japanese homes.The...
Festivals & Traditions 
Festivals & Traditions Setsubun — “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi”
Setsubun — “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi”Japan has many annual observances that mark the turning points of the seasons.Some...
Crafts Daruma Doll — Zen and Japan’s Folk Faith
Daruma — Zen and Japan’s Folk FaithA round red body and a stern, dignified face.The daruma is one of the most familiar g...
Cuisine Exploring the Flavors of Home – Akita Edition
Exploring the Flavors of Home - Akita EditionFacing the Sea of Japan and framed by the ridge of the Ōu Mountains and bro...
Cuisine The Japanese and Soba
The Japanese and SobaJapan has many kinds of noodles—udon, ramen, sōmen, kishimen, to name just a few.Among them, soba h...
Festivals & Traditions Japan’s Year-End – New Year’s Eve and the Ways It Is Spent
Japan’s Year-End – New Year’s Eve and the Ways It Is SpentIn many Western countries, the centerpiece of the holiday seas...