Books May 30, 2021

'Japanese Prints and the World of Go': Exploring the pop-cultural psyche of the Edo Period

Meme-like themes in ukiyo-e prints reveal the rich heritage of go in “Japanese Prints and the World of Go.”

Books / Reviews | ESSENTIAL READING FOR JAPANOPHILES Aug 31, 2019

'Lessons in the Fundamentals of Go': Wisecracking wisdom worth rereading

In his classic treatise on go, the late Toshiro Kageyama elucidates the difference between amateurs, who merely "play at the game," and professionals, who "labor at it."

Travel May 4, 2018

Beat the heat with summer sports in Niseko

With a pantheon of outdoor sports such as mountain biking, ziplining, hiking and more, the summer season in Hokkaido's Niseko is increasingly switched on.

Food & Drink Nov 4, 2017

Hokkaido chef Shinichi Maeda adds a modern touch to traditional techniques

An Dining chef goes out of his way to source his ingredients personally.

Books / Reviews | ESSENTIAL READING FOR JAPANOPHILES Oct 28, 2017

'Opening the Hand of Thought: Foundations of Zen Buddhist Practice': Learning the art of zazen meditation

Good books on Zen urge you to put them down and start meditating, but the best ones make you actually want to. Opening the Hand of Thought: Foundations of Zen Buddhist Practice, by Kosho Uchiyama, Translated and edited by Tom Wright, Jisho Warner ...

People | WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN? Sep 30, 2017

Musician Tomoko Sauvage searches for freedom through sound

For Sauvage, what began as a pursuit of freedom through jazz became a search for a sound all her own.

Books / Reviews Jun 24, 2017

'Everything Under the Heavens: How the Past Helps Shape China's Push For Global Power': Waking up to China's dream of holding court

By now, even the most casual observer of goings on in Asia will have noted the aggressive geopolitical maneuvering of China, a country news outlets have taken to calling "resurgent." Everything Under the Heavens: How the Past Helps Shape China's Push For Global Power, by ...

Travel May 26, 2017

Looking for 'omotenashi' in Cuba's southeast

Though half a world apart in geography, history, language and just about anything else you could name, Cuba and Japan are not entirely without similarities. Both are island countries, albeit in different stages of development, and both are in the throes of full-on tourist drives, ...

Lifestyle May 20, 2017

Looking back on the final days of the Dojunkai apartments

On the fourth anniversary of Uenoshita's demolition, we revisit how its last residents left it.

Art Apr 13, 2017

At 104, Toko Shinoda talks about a life in art

The only living Japanese on a postage stamp, 104-year-old Toko Shinoda reflects on a lifetime devoted to art.