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Hiroshima Animation Season 2024
Background Hiroshima hosted the Hiroshima International Animation Festival every 2 years since1985 until 2020. The festival was to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the atomic bombing. The theme of the festival was ‘Love and Peace’, and the award was given to the…
More Than Religion: The Quiet Role of Shrines in Japanese Life
For many visitors to Japan, shrines are among the country’s most memorable places. A red torii gate standing quietly in the forest, the sound of gravel beneath your feet, the faint smell of incense drifting through the air — these scenes often leave a deeper…
The Growing “Suitcase Problem” in Japan: When Tourism Meets Daily Life
Traveling with luggage in Japan Japan has seen a dramatic rebound in inbound tourism over the past few years. International arrivals have surged, supported by relaxed travel restrictions, a weak yen, and renewed global interest in Japanese culture, food, and pop…
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The Colours and Patterns of Tsugaru Vidro: Seasons of Aomori Captured in Glass
Soft pink cherry blossoms in spring, clear blue skies and festival lights in summer, deep red and golden leaves in autumn, and quiet snow-covered landscapes in winter. When you look closely at Tsugaru Vidro glassware, you can find many of these colours and scenes…
The Story of Soy Sauce: History, Craftsmanship, and the Tradition of Wooden Barrel Brewing
More Than Just a Seasoning Soy sauce is one of Japan’s most famous culinary exports. Today, it can be found in kitchens and restaurants around the world, adding depth and umami to countless dishes. For many people, soy sauce is simply a condiment served alongside…
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Japanese and Western Kitchen Knives: Why Shape and Cutting Style Matter
If you usually prepare vegetables with a small kitchen knife, a collection of long, wide and differently shaped Japanese blades may seem unnecessary. How many knives does one kitchen really need? The more interesting question is what each knife helps a cook do. Think…
From Swordsmiths to Modern Japanese Blades: A Legacy of Working with Steel
What does it take to turn a piece of steel into a blade that cuts with precision? The answer is not simply sharpness. It involves understanding the material, controlling heat, shaping the steel, creating the edge and knowing how each stage affects the finished blade….