Japan's love of the hanky is nothing to be sneezed at
Whether plain, screen printed, embroidered or even lacey, the humble hanky is virtually forgotten in the West. So why is it in Japan, very few will leave home without one?
Food is the best way to a dog's heart
Rewarding dogs with treats during training produces better results than praise, petting and punishment.
At Kakimori and its annex, Inkstand by Kakimori, rediscover the pleasures of handwritten expression.
The white rose that blossoms in the rain
White Rose Co. invented the plastic umbrella in the 1950s when Mitsuo Sudo was inspired by vinyl tablecloths brought to Japan by occupation forces. Now it's just one of few makers weathering the storm of cheap, mass-produced imports.
The ultimate mix of traditional and modern, Tokyo is a place where blending — be it of flavors, colors or scents — comes naturally. Let your senses be your guide!
The forged knives of Echizen: Home of Japan's hardest-wearing blades
More than 700 years of history provide a solid foundation for Takefu's knife and tool makers, who are renowned for forging the best handcrafted knives in Japan. How do they fashion such exceptionally keen blades? To find out, delve into the workshops of five ...
Wonders of washi: Tesuki Washi Tanino makes ultrarefined paper with an amber sheen
The third UNESCO-commended washi paper, Hosokawa-shi from Saitama Prefecture, was once used to keep records and accounts but is now used to make art prints and to preserve and restore cultural properties.
The hot topic of Western saunas in Japan
Onsen hot spring baths may reign in Japan, but the Western sauna could be the next health and wellness trend.
Fantastic beasts and where to learn about them
"Regnum Imaginarium: Realm of the Marvelous and Uncanny" at Osaka's National Museum of Ethnology delves into the worlds of mermaids, unicorns, werewolves and giants. What more could a kid enjoy?
Wonders of washi: Sekishu Washi Kubota produces strong, pliant paper from local mulberry plants
The Sekishu-washi produced by Akira Kubota, prized for its delicate watermark patterns and subtle colors, is used to restore precious cultural properties.
At Mino Takegami Kobo, Toyomi Suzuki and her family make Honmino-shi, a delicate handmade washi paper with a magnificent irregular texture.
Wonders of washi: Discovering the tradition of handcrafted paper
In November 2014, traditional washi papermaking techniques were included on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Over the next few weeks, we shall visit three of the nation's most prominent washi-making sites, largely unchanged for centuries, to discover the charm and potential inherent in handmade ...
