Art Oct 8, 2020

A legacy uncovered: Shoichi Kudo’s intimate portrayal of Aomori

Shoichi Kudo was a dedicated newsman in Aomori for his entire career, but it wasn't until after he passed away that his talent for photography began to get recognition.

Food & Drink Oct 13, 2018

Italy's first sushi chef on risk, reward and personal sacrifice

Minoru "Shiro" Hirasawa served the country's first sushi over 40 years ago.

Style & Design Oct 7, 2018

The artisans helping preserve the luster of Kishu lacquerware

The future of Kishu lacquerware will depend on young artisans finding the balance between tradition and modernization. But the value of the art lies not only in its beauty, but in the sacrifice and commitment of the artisans who dedicate their lives to carrying ...

Food & Drink Sep 15, 2018

Udon House brings the world to Sanuki udon

Part guesthouse and tour provider and part culture and cooking class, Udon House is a full-immersion experience where guests learn about the Sanuki region where udon noodles were born.

Food & Drink Sep 1, 2018

Chef Rica Maezawa puts a fresh face on Edo Period cooking

At her restaurant, Nanakusa, and now for Finnair, Maezawa adjusts traditional Edo Period Japanese flavors for an international audience by using familiar aromas from herbs and spices to evoke dishes guests may already know.

Baseball | In Pictures Aug 19, 2018

Summer Koshien: From the inside

While living in Japan, I spent languid summers watching Koshien on television. I'd rise before the first game and pour cold mugicha (barley tea) as cicadas hummed outside my open windows. It's the sounds I remember most. The chatter of the announcers punctuated by aluminum bat ...

Food & Drink May 19, 2018

The Shima Peninsula, where life is built on oysters and seafood

Shima Peninsula may be most famous for pearls, but the true treasure is its bountiful natural environment and a plateful of fresh oysters.

Food & Drink May 5, 2018

Annual festival sees cows under the hammer for a cool ¥25 million

In Mie Prefecture, the city of Matsusaka celebrates its animal husbandry with a cattle auction each November.

Travel Jan 19, 2018

Following in the footsteps of Wakayama's beautiful mind

Naturalist Minakata Kumagusu's home prefecture offers much more than a scenic retreat.

Travel Sep 1, 2017

Iriomote: Remote island is home to a unique state of mind

Approaching the house of 80-year-old Akiko Ishigaki, a three-legged dog rises to signal our arrival. From inside the house, Ishigaki gently scolds the dog, emerges from the doorway and invites us in. She's dressed in layers of woven purple cloth and her face maintains the ...