How the napa cabbage became the king of leafy greens in Japan
The napa cabbage is key to both traditional washoku dishes as well as ones of Chinese origin. It's also one of the easiest vegetables to pickle at home.
Health-conscious habits from 2020 to keep up
Looking back on 2020, lockdowns and pandemic restrictions forced many people to start new routines. Work commutes disappeared. Fitness classes were canceled. Homes became classrooms and workplaces. Some people thrived with all the changes; others struggled. "The experience of 2020, as hard as it was, held ...
A flurry of news means a ton of new Japanese vocabulary
The first few weeks of 2021 have been eventful to say the least. Make sure to take a note of the new vocabulary you're hearing in order to keep up with the talk of the town.
Breaking down Japan’s Go To Travel campaign
One outcome of the pandemic has been renewed interest in domestic travel. Here’s how to take advantage of the Go To campaign, plus tips to stay safe.
After a long ride, will anyone save this Tokyo carousel?
Meet the Japanese omotenashi consultant selling what money can't buy
Why local communities are important to the future of Japan's ailing tourism industry
Japanese researcher fulfills dream as a 'winterover' at South Pole
With festival canceled by coronavirus, fireflies dance alone
Plant a garden, solve puzzles and save the world in these video games
Three well-known gaming franchises — PixelJunk, Puyo Puyo Tetris and Earth Defense Force — get sequels.
Roleplaying takes center stage with these three games
Tech to improve your at-home concerts and beat the winter blues
New consoles debut just in time for 2020’s holiday season
Three beloved video game franchises get spruced-up remakes
Shoku-Ishinho: Healing cuisine for body and soul
Shoku-Ishinho serves traditional yakuzen cuisine, which incorporates elements of Chinese herbal medicine, in an entirely contemporary aesthetic.
Japan’s foundational ferment takes pride of place at Sano Miso
Mister Donut’s Pierre Marcolini collaboration gets a jump on Valentine’s Day
A ‘new wind is blowing’ for Japan’s coffee culture
VinVie breathes life (and cider) into Matsukawa
When it comes to sake, a little heat can go a long way
FamilyMart spices up the classic Famichiki
The true cost of the climate crisis on Japan
The prime minister has called for Japan to be carbon neutral by 2050, but bolder measures look necessary to reduce the economic damage caused by global warming.
C.W. Nicol, a committed environmentalist with deep humanity
Japan 2030: Tackling climate issues is key to the next decade
Balance of power: Redefining Japan's energy needs
Throwaway society: Rejecting a life consumed by plastic
Emergency on 'lucky island': Iki Island seeks to lead Japan's fight against the climate crisis
Debate over Japan's extinct wolf grows
Flashbacks and fantasy kick off Japan’s 2021 fashion scene
As department stores try to make up for a dismal 2020, recently released capsule collections turn to feel-good, nostalgic escapism.
Pierre Cardin, designer to the famous and merchant to the masses, dies at 98
Cow design collaborations to steer 2021 in the right direction
There’s a story behind each of Makiko Minagawa’s textiles
Made-to-order luxury for the 2020 holiday season
Material Market finds beauty in recycling Japan’s craft waste
Work from home in style with these design-focused office goods
For 25 years, this pair of Japanese teachers said it well
The Well Said column has wrapped up after 25 years of grammar lessons. We speak with the authors for their advice on learning and teaching Japanese.
Apologetic words abound amid a new wave of coronavirus cases
Raise your glasses to 2020: Good riddance!
Learning how to use 'ira-ira' without getting frustrated
90% of Japanese firms forgo year-end, new year parties due to virus
The secret is out: This kanji will remain closely associated with the pandemic of 2020
Knit wit: Yarn craft offers a much-needed mood boost
Need a new #stayhome hobby as parts of Japan move back into a state of emergency? Maybe it's time to pick up some yarn and needles and give knitting a try.
Trendy threads: Where to order specialty yarn in Japan
Marie Kondo eyes fresh ways to tidy up in 2021
Travel to Kamikatsu for a green epiphany: ‘Zero waste is about knowing yourself’
Coming of age in Japan during COVID-19
Stay warm, safe and social this winter season
LLLL: 'The perfect balance of conformity and rebellion'
What makes the perfect J-pop song? There is a formula, which means you have to be in the box before you can think outside of it.
German ambassador lives out childhood dream
20 Questions: The best answers of 2020
Rabbi Shmuel Vishedsky: 'Hanukkah reminds people that miracles do happen'
Businessman ambassador opens Panama connections
Craft brewer Sean Collett: 'If you chase two rabbits, you'll catch neither'
Joy Jarman-Walsh: 'Japan could be a world-leader in post-COVID-19 travel'
