A bunch of lanterns in the streets at the Akita Kanto Festival.

Akita Kanto Festival: A Traditional Display of Skill

Japan’s summer festivals are known for their energy and culture. Far from Tokyo, Akita ken hosts one of the nation’s most thrilling celebrations—the Akita Kanto Festival. This event involves ancient traditions, vibrant displays, and acts of incredible skill. Its special blend of culture and performance draws visitors from all over Japan. 

A bunch of hanafuda cards arranged on a grid.

The Rules of Hanafuda: Everything You Need to Know!

One of the oldest and most popular card games in Japan is hanafuda. People still play it today. Hanafuda is a matching game featuring cards with beautiful artwork. Today, we’ll explore this classic game. It is for anyone who has never heard of the game and those who want to play.

A fujin, one of many Japanese mythical creatures.

Japanese Mythical Creatures: The Best Legends!

Summer in Japan is when ghost stories and legends come alive, especially tales of Japanese mythical creatures. As people visit rivers, forests, and coastal towns to escape the heat, stories of strange beings begin to resurface.

Hokusai Great Wave off Kanagawa print.

Hokusai Great Wave: The Print That Shaped Japanese Art

Hokusai’s “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” is one of the classic masterpieces of Japanese prints. As one of the first Japanese artworks to gain global fame, The Great Wave helped introduce Japanese art overseas and shaped how the world views Japan’s rich artistry. Discover the novelty behind The Great Wave and how it influenced both the Japanese and foreign art scenes. 

A gold crane origami on top of origami papers with vibrantly-patterned designs.

Origami Paper: Beautiful Mediums Behind Japanese Paper Folding

Origami, the art of paper folding, was once woven into formal ceremonies and religious rituals. People were fascinated by seeing paper come to life with each fold. However, its beauty is also thanks to the origami paper’s texture, rich color, and nature-inspired pattern. 

A couple walking on one of many famous beaches in Okinawa.

Okinawa Beaches: Five Great Tropical Escapes!

Okinawa Prefecture is a tropical paradise that is celebrated for its turquoise waters, beautiful, sandy coasts, and vibrant coral reefs. It has over 130 beaches, offering a coastal experience for every kind of traveler. These escapes range from secluded retreats to lively resorts. Today, we’ll explore five of the most captivating beaches in Okinawa!

Merchandise from the Osaka Expo 2025.

Osaka Expo 2025: A Global Showcase With Lots of Opinions

Many hoped the Expo would become a proud cultural moment for Japan and inspire visitors from around the globe. But just a few weeks in, opinions are mixed. Some are impressed, while others feel there’s room for improvement. Keep reading to learn what’s working well and what could improve.